When scientists figured out how to propel satellites and people beyond the atmosphere of our planet, the age of space exploration began. Pictures beamed back from space give us a broader view of our planet and natural phenomena. This view probably helped make people more aware of environmental issues and spurred on the successes of Earth Day in the early 1970s. Scientists and ordinary citizens alike know that people can and do affect the environment.
Human activities can lead to water and air pollution, for example.
We also know that the environment, or natural phenomena like earthquakes and tornadoes, can and do affect people and their lifestyles. Increasing our understanding of Earth's dynamic and interrelated systems, how they behave naturally and how they may be affected by human activity, is the very work of NOAA's researchers and scientists in the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. Indeed, NOAA's name National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its mission reflect the realization that the atmosphere and oceans are interconnected parts of the overall Earth system. Our research is focused on exploring, examining, and explaining both the natural environment and how human activity can affect natural systems.