Protecting Earth from Asteroids ~ Space organizations recognize need for global cooperation
The discovery of an asteroid the size of a large sports stadium, Apophis, drew much public attention to space in recent years. Here is an update on Apophis from space.com
http://www.space.com/19226-asteroid-apophis-gives-earth-a-close-shave-in-2029-infographic.html
Also, in 2013 a meteor caused by a near Earth asteroid exploded over Russia with no advanced warning ~ It exploded with the force of 20 to 30 atomic bombs but far enough in the atmosphere, 18 miles, to spare lives but did cause over 1,000 injuries. (Reference Wikipedia Chelyabinsk meteor)
These cases, among many others, bring greater attention for the need of an effective international space program to find ways to protect Earth from near Earth objects~