Earth Observation, Societal Benefits, and Public and Private Opportunities: A Perspective from the U.S. Geological Survey

Carl D. Shapiro

(USGS)

Carl Shapiro has been an economist at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for over 35 years and is currently Director of the USGS Science and Decisions Center (SDC), and Senior Economist, Energy and Minerals, and Environmental Health. In this capacity, Carl leads SDC’s interdisciplinary efforts to increase the use and value of scientific information through research and application in five science areas: (1) ecosystem services; (2) decision science; (3) resilience and sustainability; (4) participatory science and innovation; and (5) natural resource economics. Previously, Carl was the Principal Economist in the USGS Office of the Director and Senior Advisor to the Director, where he initiated, led, and participated in interdisciplinary studies addressing science, practice, and management issues. Carl is a co-founder of “A Community on Ecosystem Services (ACES)” and chaired the first two ACES conferences. He was a lead author of the Department of the Interior’s Adaptive Management Technical Guide which provides a framework for consistent use of adaptive decision making for DOI natural resource management. Carl has received the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Meritorious Service and Superior Service Awards.

Carl is an adjunct Professor of Economics in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, DC, where he has taught graduate courses in economics and public management for over 20 years. Carl has received the American University Outstanding Teaching Award for Adjunct Faculty, as well as the Outstanding Teaching Award in the School of Public Affairs. Carl has a B.A. in Government from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the Center for the Study of Public Choice at George Mason University.