While there are many applications of satellites, tracking climate change through satellites has become one of the most pertinent and important. Rising ocean temperatures and the acceleration of ice melting in the Arctic have led to dire warnings that the Earth is headed for an environmental catastrophe. But how are scientists using satellites to track changes, and how can they help in the fight against climate change?
How Climate Change Satellites are Tracking Atmospheric Changes
Tracking and measuring CO2 at the ground-level can be tricky. Satellites give scientists a birds-eye view, allowing them to measure and monitor emissions across the globe.
In 2014, NASA successfully launched a spacecraft dedicated to monitoring and studying the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, is a remote sensing satellite that allows scientists to observe CO2 levels from space. OCO-3 was launched in 2019 to help with NASA’s mission.
How Do Climate Satellites Work?
How exactly do satellites work for tracking climate change? In the case of the OCO-2 and OCO-3 satellites, it comes down to light. Both satellites are equipped with an instrument that measures wavelengths of sunlight reflected off the Earth’s surface.
Every gas interacts with light in a unique way, absorbing some light as it passes through the atmosphere. Understanding the pattern of light absorption allows for precise measurement of gases, like CO2.
So, the satellites orbit the Earth collecting data about CO2 as it goes around. The data tells scientists where CO2 is accumulating, but they can also see how this gas affects:
- Temperature changes
- Geological events (like volcanic eruptions)
- Climate events
- Pressure changes
To differentiate between natural CO2 and CO2 generated by human activity, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Netherlands Space Office built TROPOMI.
TROPOMI can examine the atmosphere while orbiting on the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite. Specifically, this instrument was designed to measure nitrogen dioxide, or NO2.
NO2 is the key to differentiating between natural CO2 and CO2 related to human activity. Why? Because this gas comes from burning fuels.
Data from TROPOMI and OCO-3 can, theoretically, be combined to measure just the CO2 generated by humans. Thus far, tests have been successful. Systems such as these can help cities measure their CO2 emissions and monitor their attempts to reduce them.
Satellite Benefits in the Fight Against Climate Changes
In the fight against climate change, satellites can help in many ways. For starters, climate change satellite images help scientists identify where gases are most concentrated and, potentially, their sources.
But satellites can also help in other ways. To know how far you’ve come, you have to see where you’ve been. Scientists can compare past data and images with current images and readings to see:
- How much progress has been made
- Areas that still need attention
Satellites can be a powerful tool to measure progress in the fight against climate change. While much work needs to be done, data from satellites can help cities and countries figure out what needs to be done to reduce emissions and monitor the results of their efforts. View more articles on innovation here.