Space technologist Robbie Schingler cofounded a satellite company that images the whole planet every day, making visible changes on Earth. He shows how pairing that data with AI creates a "planetary intelligence" we can use to spot emerging threats we might not have seen otherwise. Now he asks: Can we close the gap between seeing a crisis coming and actually stopping it? (Followed by a note from TED guest curators Divya Siddarth and Audrey Tang)

How satellites and AI can protect the planet

Pairing daily satellite images with artificial intelligence is creating a new kind of planetary intelligence, able to spot threats and changes as they unfold. When a pontoon bridge appeared overnight near Ukraine’s border, this technology gave the world instant evidence of looming conflict, but institutional response lagged behind. From cutting Amazon deforestation in half to providing drought insurance for herders in Africa, real-time Earth monitoring is closing the gap between awareness and action. The challenge now is to build trust and institutions ready to move as quickly as the data demands.

Satellites and AI Turn Global Crises Into Coordinated Action

Satellites now image the entire Earth daily, making it possible to witness changes like a sudden pontoon bridge appearing before Russia invaded Ukraine. When paired with AI, this constant stream of data becomes planetary intelligence, allowing for rapid detection of threats and environmental shifts. From slashing Amazon deforestation by half to protecting herders during droughts with real-time insurance payouts, these tools transform awareness into collective, real-world responses. The next challenge is building institutions that can move as swiftly as the technology itself.