How satellites prove the ongoing climate crisis
Satellites orbiting the Earth have provided undeniable evidence that climate change is no longer a distant concern but a modern-day crisis. In 2024, the average global temperature reached a record high, while sea levels continued to rise over the past thirty years. According to Cedric David, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, these long-term satellite data are clear evidence that our climate is changing dramatically due to human activities.
Satellite technology has transformed our understanding of climate change and provides irrefutable evidence of the climate crisis. As global temperatures rise and natural disasters increase, data from satellites paints a bleak picture of Earth’s future. July 2024 was the hottest month on record in 175 years, and extreme weather events, such as Hurricane Helene, are becoming more common due to global warming. According to a report published in June 2024, human activity is the leading cause of climate change, with rising greenhouse gas emissions accelerating environmental destruction.
Monitoring climate change from space
Satellites have played a crucial role in monitoring changes on Earth. NASA’s Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has recorded alarming sea level rise over the past thirty years. Using radar altimetry, scientists can measure how the oceans have risen, providing strong evidence for global warming. Experts such as Cedric David, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlight the importance of satellites in observing phenomena such as melting glaciers, changing animal habitats and deforestation.
The role of satellites in predicting the future
Satellite technology also offers practical advantages. It helps predict and track hurricanes, identify hot spots for methane emissions, and monitor ecosystem health. NASA’s Earth System Observatory, a proposed fleet of satellites, will monitor Earth’s atmosphere, water systems and land movements and help manage the climate crisis. David emphasizes that the data collected is crucial for future decision-making on global warming.
