Mapping the Wreckage of War and Wildfires

CUNY Graduate Center

In this episode of The Thought Project, we delve into the innovative work of Corey Scher, whose satellite mapping techniques provide crucial insights into the human and environmental costs of conflict and disaster — from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to wildfires in Los Angeles. Scher, an Earth and Environmental Sciences Ph.D. candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, uses sophisticated mapping methods to reveal how warfare and environmental catastrophes change the built and natural landscape. His work illustrates not only the damage to structures, such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, and homes, but also severe ecological disruption, including contamination of air, soil, and water. His maps, developed by harnessing satellite radar data, cloud computing, and advanced geospatial techniques, have been featured by The New York Times, the Financial Times, The Washington Post, BBC, and NPR, and other leading news outlets. His research is also cited in reports from international humanitarian organizations. Tune in as we discuss the critical role of modern Earth observation in understanding conflict and environmental change and explore pathways to recovery and accountability in today’s turbulent world. Listen now for new insights.