Severe space weather events have the potential to cause significant disruptions to critical infrastructure, technology systems, and human activities on Earth and in space. Space weather phenomena, such as solar flares, solar energetic particles, and coronal mass ejections, can affect electrical power grids, communications, navigation systems, and satellite operations. Recognizing the importance of preparedness and resilience against the impacts of severe space weather, several nations have developed strategies and plans to mitigate risks and enhance their response capabilities.
This article examines the strategies and plans for responding to severe space weather events in three countries: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. By comparing their approaches, we can gain insights into the current state of preparedness and identify areas for further improvement and international collaboration.
United States
National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan
The United States has taken a proactive approach to address the risks posed by severe space weather events. In 2015, the White House released the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (https://www.sworm.gov/publications/2015/swap_final.pdf), which outlines a coordinated approach to enhance national preparedness. The strategy identifies six high-level goals:
- Establish benchmarks for space weather events
- Enhance response and recovery capabilities
- Improve protection and mitigation efforts
- Improve assessment, modeling, and prediction of impacts on critical infrastructure
- Improve space weather services through advancing understanding and forecasting
- Increase international cooperation
The action plan assigns specific activities and deliverables to various federal agencies, emphasizing the need for collaboration with industry, academia, and international partners.
In 2019, the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/National-Space-Weather-Strategy-and-Action-Plan-2019.pdf) was updated to reflect progress made and to identify new priorities. The updated plan focuses on three key objectives:
- Enhance the protection of national security, homeland security, and commercial assets and operations against the effects of space weather
- Develop and disseminate accurate and timely space weather characterization and forecasts
- Establish plans and procedures for responding to and recovering from space weather events
The 2019 plan also emphasizes the importance of engaging with the private sector and international partners to ensure a coordinated response to severe space weather events.
Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Subcommittee
To coordinate the implementation of the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan, the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Subcommittee was established under the National Science and Technology Council (https://www.sworm.gov/). The SWORM Subcommittee brings together representatives from over 20 federal departments and agencies, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to space weather preparedness.
The SWORM Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the action plan, tracking progress, and identifying gaps and challenges. It also facilitates communication and collaboration among federal agencies, industry, academia, and international partners.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a crucial role in monitoring, analyzing, and forecasting space weather events through its Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) (https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/). The SWPC provides real-time space weather information, alerts, and warnings to support decision-making and preparedness efforts across various sectors.
The SWPC operates 24/7 and maintains a network of ground-based and space-based sensors to monitor solar activity, the near-Earth space environment, and the Earth’s magnetic field. The center uses advanced modeling and forecasting techniques to predict the timing, magnitude, and potential impacts of space weather events.
In the event of a severe space weather event, the SWPC would issue alerts and warnings to government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the public. The center would also provide ongoing updates and guidance to support response and recovery efforts.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to disasters and emergencies, including those caused by severe space weather events. FEMA works closely with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
In the event of a severe space weather event, FEMA would activate its National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) to coordinate the federal response. The NRCC would bring together representatives from various federal agencies to assess the situation, identify priorities, and allocate resources to support response and recovery efforts.
FEMA also maintains the National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF), which provides a structure for coordinating recovery efforts after a disaster. The NDRF identifies six recovery support functions: community planning and capacity building, economic recovery, health and social services, housing, infrastructure systems, and natural and cultural resources. These functions would be activated as needed to support long-term recovery from a severe space weather event.
Canada
Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre
In Canada, the Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre, operated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is responsible for providing space weather services (https://www.spaceweather.gc.ca/). The forecast center monitors, analyzes, and forecasts space weather events, issuing warnings and alerts across the country.
The Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre operates 24/7 and maintains a network of ground-based sensors to monitor the near-Earth space environment. The center uses advanced modeling and forecasting techniques to predict the timing, magnitude, and potential impacts of space weather events.
In the event of a severe space weather event, the Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre would issue alerts and warnings to government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the public. The center would also provide ongoing updates and guidance to support response and recovery efforts.
Canadian Geomagnetic Monitoring Network
To support the power grid and other critical infrastructure, NRCan operates a network of magnetometers that spans Canada. This network, along with research magnetometers operated by universities, provides essential data for assessing the impacts of space weather on the electrical grid and other systems.
The Canadian Geomagnetic Monitoring Network consists of 14 observatories that continuously measure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field. The data collected by these observatories is used to develop models and forecasts of geomagnetic activity, which can help power grid operators and other critical infrastructure owners prepare for and respond to space weather events.
Emergency Management and Preparedness
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of emergency management and preparedness in the face of severe space weather events. The Emergency Management Act (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-4.56/) provides the legal framework for a coordinated approach to emergency management, including space weather-related emergencies.
Public Safety Canada is the federal department responsible for coordinating emergency management efforts across the country. The department works closely with other federal agencies, provincial and territorial governments, and the private sector to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
In the event of a severe space weather event, Public Safety Canada would activate the Government Operations Centre (GOC) to coordinate the federal response. The GOC would bring together representatives from various federal agencies to assess the situation, identify priorities, and allocate resources to support response and recovery efforts.
Public Safety Canada also maintains the Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP), which provides a structure for coordinating the federal response to emergencies. The FERP identifies 15 emergency support functions, such as transportation, communications, energy, and public health, that would be activated as needed to support response and recovery efforts.
Canadian Space Agency
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) plays a key role in supporting space weather research and preparedness in Canada. The CSA funds research projects that advance the understanding of space weather phenomena and their impacts on critical infrastructure and human activities.
The CSA also operates several satellites that provide valuable data for space weather monitoring and forecasting. These include the CASSIOPE satellite, which carries eight science instruments that gather information on the ionosphere and aurora borealis, and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, which provides high-resolution radar imagery that can be used to monitor the impacts of space weather on the Earth’s surface.
In addition, the CSA collaborates with international partners, such as NASA and the European Space Agency, on space weather research and monitoring projects. These collaborations help to ensure that Canada has access to the latest data and expertise in the field of space weather.
United Kingdom
UK Space Weather Preparedness Strategy
The United Kingdom has developed a comprehensive Space Weather Preparedness Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/space-weather-preparedness-strategy) to address the risks associated with severe space weather events. The strategy, published in 2015, sets out a five-year vision for increasing the country’s resilience to space weather.
The strategy focuses on four key areas:
- Improving the ability to forecast and model space weather events
- Increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure and services
- Developing and testing response plans
- Enhancing international collaboration
The strategy also identifies specific actions that government agencies, industry, and academia can take to improve space weather preparedness. These include investing in research and development, sharing data and expertise, and conducting regular exercises to test response plans.
Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre
The Met Office, the United Kingdom’s national weather service, operates the Space Weather Operations Centre (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/space-weather). The center provides 24/7 space weather monitoring, forecasting, and warning services to support government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and other stakeholders in their preparedness and response efforts.
The Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre maintains a network of ground-based sensors to monitor the near-Earth space environment. The center uses advanced modeling and forecasting techniques to predict the timing, magnitude, and potential impacts of space weather events.
In the event of a severe space weather event, the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre would issue alerts and warnings to government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the public. The center would also provide ongoing updates and guidance to support response and recovery efforts.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) (https://www.ukri.org/) plays a significant role in supporting space weather research and innovation in the United Kingdom. Through its various funding councils and programs, UKRI invests in projects that advance the understanding of space weather phenomena, improve forecasting capabilities, and develop mitigation strategies.
UKRI also supports the development of new technologies and services that can help to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure and services to space weather events. For example, UKRI has funded projects to develop new materials and components that are more resistant to the effects of space weather, as well as projects to develop new tools and techniques for monitoring and predicting space weather events.
In addition, UKRI collaborates with international partners, such as the United States and Canada, on space weather research and innovation projects. These collaborations help to ensure that the United Kingdom has access to the latest data and expertise in the field of space weather.
Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat
The Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) is responsible for coordinating the UK government’s response to emergencies, including those caused by severe space weather events. The CCS works closely with other government agencies, local authorities, and the private sector to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
In the event of a severe space weather event, the CCS would activate the Central Government’s Concept of Operations (ConOps) for responding to emergencies. The ConOps provides a framework for coordinating the government’s response to emergencies, including the roles and responsibilities of different agencies and the procedures for sharing information and resources.
The CCS also maintains the National Risk Register, which identifies the risks facing the United Kingdom, including those posed by severe space weather events. The National Risk Register is used to inform emergency planning and preparedness efforts across government and industry.
Conclusion
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have all recognized the importance of preparing for and responding to severe space weather events. While each country has its own unique strategies and organizational structures, there are common themes in their approaches. These include improving space weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities, increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure, developing response plans, and fostering international collaboration.
As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by severe space weather, it is essential that nations work together to share knowledge, best practices, and resources. By strengthening international partnerships and investing in research and innovation, we can enhance our collective resilience against the impacts of space weather and protect our societies, economies, and way of life.
Looking ahead, there are several areas where further progress is needed to improve space weather preparedness and response capabilities. These include:
- Enhancing the accuracy and lead time of space weather forecasts: While significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still a need for more accurate and timely forecasts of space weather events. This will require continued investment in research and development, as well as the deployment of new monitoring and forecasting technologies.
- Increasing the resilience of critical infrastructure: Many critical infrastructure systems, such as power grids and communication networks, remain vulnerable to the effects of severe space weather events. Governments and industry need to work together to identify and address these vulnerabilities, through measures such as hardening equipment, developing backup systems, and improving response and recovery plans.
- Strengthening international collaboration: Space weather is a global phenomenon that requires a coordinated international response. Nations need to continue to work together to share data, expertise, and resources, and to develop common standards and protocols for space weather monitoring, forecasting, and response.
- Engaging the public and raising awareness: Space weather is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. Governments and other stakeholders need to do more to engage the public and raise awareness of the risks posed by severe space weather events, as well as the steps that individuals and communities can take to prepare and protect themselves.
By addressing these challenges and continuing to invest in space weather preparedness and response capabilities, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other nations can build a more resilient future in the face of this growing threat.
