Satellite Images spotlighting fire events in Bolivia as a way of fostering Sustainability and Environmental Awareness

Chávez G.; Paredes J.D.D.; Arteaga S.; Machicado M.; Vargas-Cuentas N.I. · Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2025) · DOI: 10.52202/083101-0022

Resumen

The use of satellite images in journalism has been growing during the last decades, from forescasting weather to following natural disasters. A common practice in Bolivia is the slash and burn method an agricultural practice whereby vegetation is burned to prepare the land before planting, or to renew pastures to feed livestock. This practice is allowed by various regulations in the country. In 2024, this practice contributed to the destruction of over 14 million hectares, an area comparable to the size of England. The severity of the situation garnered significant media attention, both nationally and internationally. NASAs Earth Observatory published on December 7th of 2024 an article titled An Unusual Year for Fire in Bolivia, highlighting the remarkable intensity and spread of the res by showing a comparison of the affected area before and after the re events. Bolivian journalist used satellite imagery from NASAs VIIRS instrument aboard the NOAA-20 satellite to inform the public about the hotspots and to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused. These images were widely shared across major media outlets in Bolivia, including TV newspapers, websites, and other platforms. This paper aims to show the impact of satellite images in the Bolivian press and social networks and how these can be used to raise environmental awareness in the public. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades