NASEM Report

Definition

The NASEM Report refers to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's comprehensive assessment on the implications of High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) events. This report highlights the potential impacts of HEMP on critical infrastructures, such as power grids and communication systems, and outlines strategies for resilience and mitigation against such electromagnetic threats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NASEM Report was published to address concerns about the vulnerability of the United States' critical infrastructure to HEMP events.
2. One key finding of the report is that a HEMP event could cause widespread and prolonged blackouts across large regions due to failures in power grid systems.
3. The report emphasizes the importance of hardening infrastructure against HEMP effects, including retrofitting existing systems to improve their resilience.
4. Another significant aspect discussed in the report is the need for public policy measures and inter-agency coordination to prepare for potential HEMP scenarios.
5. The NASEM Report encourages research and development initiatives aimed at understanding and mitigating the risks associated with HEMP exposure.

Review Questions

• Discuss how the NASEM Report outlines the potential impacts of HEMP on critical infrastructure.
  • The NASEM Report highlights that HEMP can severely disrupt critical infrastructure by causing widespread failures in power grids, telecommunications, and other essential services. It points out that such disruptions could lead to prolonged blackouts affecting millions of people, which underscores the vulnerability of these systems. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to assess risks and implement protective measures to ensure infrastructure resilience against such electromagnetic threats.
• Evaluate the strategies recommended in the NASEM Report for mitigating the effects of HEMP on communication systems.
  • The NASEM Report recommends various strategies for mitigating HEMP effects on communication systems, including retrofitting existing technologies to enhance their protection against electromagnetic disturbances. It advocates for adopting more robust designs and materials in communication infrastructure that can withstand HEMP exposure. Additionally, it stresses the importance of inter-agency cooperation to develop comprehensive plans that integrate both technical solutions and policy frameworks to ensure effective response capabilities in case of a HEMP event.
• Synthesize how the findings of the NASEM Report might influence future research directions regarding electromagnetic threats.
  • The findings of the NASEM Report could significantly shape future research directions by highlighting critical gaps in our understanding of HEMP's effects on various sectors. Researchers may focus on developing advanced protective technologies for critical infrastructure based on the report's recommendations. Furthermore, it could inspire interdisciplinary studies exploring the socio-economic impacts of HEMP disruptions and promote collaboration among government agencies, academia, and industry to create effective resilience strategies against electromagnetic threats.

Related terms

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP): A burst of electromagnetic radiation that can disrupt or damage electronic devices and electrical systems, typically caused by nuclear explosions or solar flares.

Critical Infrastructure: The assets and systems that are essential for the functioning of a society and economy, including energy, transportation, water supply, and communication systems.

Resilience: The ability of a system or organization to withstand and recover from disruptive events, including natural disasters or technological failures.