The role of Earth observation from space in climate change research has been pivotal, with technologies evolving significantly since the early days of the first-generation satellites. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) ERS missions in the early 1990s marked a significant step forward, offering new insights into our planet’s atmosphere, oceans, and land. These missions have paved the way for a diverse array of Earth observation technologies, ranging from the International Space Station (ISS) to CubeSats and advanced satellites, including notable contributions from India.
Key Technologies in Earth Observation:
1. NASA’s PACE Mission: The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite aims to provide comprehensive data on phytoplankton and atmospheric particles, crucial for understanding the global carbon cycle and climate change impacts.
2. International Space Station (ISS): Hosting a variety of instruments for climate data collection, the ISS offers unique coverage of Earth, aiding in real-time monitoring of environmental phenomena.
3. CubeSats: These compact nano-satellites facilitate cost-effective climate science experiments, allowing for broad-scale monitoring and data collection on climate change.
4. Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR): Part of ESA’s Copernicus project, SLSTR-equipped Sentinel satellites monitor ocean and land temperatures, extending the legacy of the ERS missions.
5. MethaneSat: Focused on identifying and tracking methane emissions globally, MethaneSat is a crucial tool for environmental accountability and supporting regulatory compliance in the oil and gas industry.
Contributions by Indian Satellites:
India has made significant contributions to Earth observation and climate change research through its space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Indian satellites like the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, the SCATSAT-1 for ocean and weather studies, and the SARAL (Satellite with ARgos and ALtiKa) for oceanographic monitoring have been instrumental in providing data for environmental and climate research. These satellites contribute to a wide range of applications, including:
• Agricultural monitoring: Assessing crop health and planning irrigation.
• Water resources management: Mapping and monitoring water bodies.
• Forest and environmental conservation: Keeping track of forest cover changes and biodiversity.
• Disaster management: Providing crucial information for managing natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
• Atmospheric studies: Monitoring air quality and atmospheric composition.
ISRO’s satellites complement global efforts in Earth observation, adding valuable data to the collective understanding of climate change. The integration of data from Indian satellites with global datasets enhances the accuracy and comprehensiveness of environmental monitoring and analysis.
Global Data Integration and Future Directions:
The accumulation of vast climate change data from global and Indian satellites presents a unique opportunity for comprehensive environmental monitoring and action. Initiatives like the World Economic Forum’s Global Ecosystems Atlas aim to consolidate this information, providing a detailed view of the world’s ecosystems to support conservation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable development efforts.
As Earth observation technologies continue to advance, the global and Indian contributions to this field will be crucial for addressing the complex challenges of climate change, informing policy, and supporting research and conservation efforts worldwide.
