Some schools, for instance, are using previously classified images from spy satellites that show the extent of environmental degradation in certain portions of the world. Inhabitants of almost every nation on the planet can get rich, specific, detailed data about the environment. For example, visitors to the U.S. Geological Survey Homepage can monitor deforestation in Amazonia and south east Asia by viewing actual color images beamed from satellites. In addition to democratizing information, cyberspace enhances the ability of experts to learn from each other. No longer does it take a major international conference to bring the world's leading scientists together to share insights or collaborate on strategies.
Some scholars regularly participate in discussion groups to debate thorny global issues.
Within 24 hours she received five responses from researchers in Europe, North America, and northern and southern Africa who were either authorities on east African rivers or were able to provide information on how to contact experts in the region. By reaching out to this emerging virtual world, she was able to secure the information she needed to complete her research. Such knowledge is important for its own sake, of course. But it is also important, because knowledge is so often the prelude to action. History has shown that people armed with information about their world understand the urgency of protecting it and are more willing to act.