Grapevine

NASA data help protect US embassy staff from polluted air

United States embassies and consulates, along with American citizens traveling and living abroad, now have a powerful tool to protect against polluted air, thanks to a collaboration between NASA and the U.S. State Department.

"This collaboration with NASA showcases how space-based technology can directly impact lives on the ground," said Stephanie Christel, climate adaptation and air quality monitoring program lead with the State Department's Greening Diplomacy Initiative. "This is not something the State Department could have done on its own."

For instance, placing air quality monitors at all U.S. diplomatic posts is prohibitively expensive, she explained.

"NASA's involvement brings not only advanced technology," she added, "but also a trusted name that adds credibility and reliability to the forecasts, which is invaluable for our staff stationed abroad."