In 2024, unprecedented climate challenges emerged as Earth experienced record-high temperatures and extreme weather events such as hurricanes. With human-driven climate change leading to rising sea levels and glacier melting, coastal communities face severe threats. NASA’s utilization of satellite technology is instrumental in monitoring these changes and emphasizing the urgent need for climate action to protect vulnerable regions.
In the year 2024, the Earth endured unparalleled climatic challenges, setting records for soaring temperatures and hurricane ferocity. July witnessed Earth’s average temperature reaching its highest point in over 175 years, culminating with the hottest day ever recorded on July 22. This summer in the Northern Hemisphere marked a historical peak, being the warmest since approximately 1880. Concurrently, an early start to the hurricane season was heralded by Hurricane Beryl, which became the earliest recorded Category 4 hurricane. South Africa’s winter displayed its own extremes, experiencing significant rainfall and unexpected snowstorms. A report from June reiterated troubling concerns: human-induced global warming has achieved unprecedented levels. According to Space.com, climate change is exacerbating planetary heating, leading to the alarming rates of glacier melting. This phenomenon is consequently resulting in rising sea levels that endanger coastal communities and displace numerous species from their habitats. The destructive forces of Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc along the southeastern coast of the United States, followed by the impacts of Hurricane Milton in South Florida. The escalating intensity of these storms is linked to climate change dynamics. In South Africa, both the eastern and western coastal regions are facing increasingly severe weather events, marked by a troubling cycle of flooding and droughts. NASA and international space agencies are leveraging climate satellites to monitor the profound alterations caused by climate change in weather patterns. Utilizing satellite gravimetry—a method referenced by Space.com that accurately measures ice mass loss, rising ocean levels, and changes in groundwater supply—scientists are revealing the heightened threats these changes pose to coastal areas globally. Dr. Cedric David, a scientist with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, observed, “Satellites can see what we cannot with our own eyes: changes in deep underground water storage that would require us to dig deep in the ground to witness firsthand. That’s just mind-blowing.” Long-standing warnings from scientists regarding rising sea levels and their dangers to coastal cities are echoed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which forecasts a potential sea level increase of between 0.43 meters and 0.85 meters by 2100. Although these figures may seem minimal, the resulting outcomes for coastal regions could be catastrophic. There is hope that data obtained from climate-monitoring satellites will serve as compelling evidence to influence policy decisions related to climate impact, therefore advocating for significant changes aimed at reducing pollution and mitigating further planetary heating. Dr. David further asserted, “We’ve had a series of radar altimetry satellites circling around our Earth in constant operation since 1992 that have allowed us to see the undeniable: Oceans are in constant rise. The 30-year-long curves of sea level rise are unquestionable evidence that our climate is changing.” It is advisable for residents of coastal communities to prepare for the repercussions of extreme weather events by implementing measures to enhance climate resilience in their dwellings.
The article discusses the alarming effects of climate change as evidenced by record-breaking temperatures and intensified hurricane activity in 2024. It highlights the drastic changes in weather patterns and the consequences faced by coastal towns worldwide, particularly due to rising sea levels resulting from melting glaciers. NASA’s usage of satellite technology to track these changes is emphasized, showcasing the scientific community’s urgent call for action to address global warming. This rewrite aims to present the facts in a structured and formal manner, acknowledging the pressing nature of climate-related crises.
The evidence presented in the article serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis, characterized by rising global temperatures, severe weather events, and the associated risks to coastal populations. Utilizing advanced satellite technology provides critical insights into the evolving threats posed by climate change. It is imperative for governments and communities to act decisively to mitigate the effects of climate change and prepare for the future impact on coastal areas. The call for sustainable practices and policies is more urgent than ever in light of the undeniable data collected over the past three decades.
Original Source: www.2oceansvibe.com
