In 2005 the United States Congress mandated that NASA find 90 percent of large Near Earth asteroids (NEAs)-those that have the potential to impact Earth-by the year 2020. This mandate was created in response to recent scientific data indicating that large and devastating impact events were common in Earth's geologic past and therefore will likely occur again in the future. Many new NEAs have been discovered as a result of NASA's efforts and research is under way to find ways to stop such impact events from occurring.

Which of the earth scientist's roles is best illustrated in this paragraph?

A. Protecting Against Natural Hazards

B. Protecting the Health of the Environment

C. Ensuring the Future of Human Life

D. Finding and Sustaining Earth's Resources