The current expansion of global climate change is known among scientists as the greenhouse effect. The most commonly known gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect are methane - caused by natural and human processes such as the cultivation of agriculture, decomposition in landfills, and manure management associated with domestic livestock, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is released through natural processes such as respiration, and human processes such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels like coal or oil.
The impacts of climate change can be felt all over the globe. As temperatures climb we can expect to see heat waves, which can be detrimental to agriculture and can cause dehydration and heatstroke. Air quality will diminish as fossil fuels continue to pollute the air. ‘Vector born diseases’ will begin to spread, as the warming of the planet will make insects expand their geographical location and bring things such as Lyme disease or the Zika virus to new regions. Extreme weather including hurricanes and floods can have detrimental impacts on whole cities. The importance of research and awareness of climate change and engagement of climate change prevention is vital to ensuring the longevity of our environment.
Today, May 22nd 2018, NASA is launching the Falcon 9, a previously flown rocket that houses twin Earth orbiting satellites titled GRACE-FO (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On). In collaboration with the German Research Centre for Geoscience, the two satellites are designed to map gravity movements. The innovative behind these two satellites is that rather than using images of the Earths surface, they use microwave like signals to connect to one another and receive signals of gravitational anomalies through changes in water, land, ice and the inner cores of the planet. The high quality monthly maps that GRACE-FO will generate will allow scientists to study these influences of climate change. Things like the melting of ice sheets, the rise in sea levels, ocean acidification, and global temperature rise will be further investigated.
GRACE-FO is meant to orbit the Globe for 5 years collecting data. During these 5 years, and for the years following humans need to do their part to ensure the wellness of the planet.
We need to take action against climate change.
By Earth Restoration Service Blog Writer Teo Guzu
CGI image of GRACE-FO satellites preparing to launch from the Falcon 9