These data “clearly show that our planet is changing faster and faster”

Dr. Aleksandra Kardaś, atmospheric physicist and editor-in-chief of Naukaoklimacie.pl, recalled that there are currently over 100 Earth observation satellites orbiting around our globe, taking photos or “screening” the atmosphere using waves of various lengths.

– All these satellites track what is happening on our planet and help us greatly in observing specific phenomena and their effects. And sometimes also causes, as in the case of satellites monitoring the emission and concentration of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for contemporary climate change – said the expert.

She stated that from orbit one can also observe, among others, the water cycle in nature and the resulting disturbances in droughts or floods, as well as the condition of vegetation in various areas of the Earth or forest fires.

Dr. Kardaś explained that various satellite data are a great source of information about what is happening on our planet. – They allow us to check what is happening in the most remote corners, where it is difficult for us to reach with measuring instruments held in hand or placed in the field. They also allow us to make various, very complicated measurements, for example of the energy balance of the entire planet. And it is the disruption of the planet's energy balance that causes today's climate change. The Earth emits in cosmos less energy than it receives from the Sun, the energy accumulates on the planet and hence its temperature increases – she pointed out.

When asked what satellite data most clearly indicate climate change, the expert replied: – I think it is information about the decline in the mass of ice sheets and the rise in sea level. Thanks to satellites, we now collect very accurate data on this subject, and they clearly show that our planet is changing faster and faster.

In her opinion, it is clearly visible from space that the world has already changed a lot, especially in recent decades. – Unfortunately, since we have been obtaining satellite data, we have more and more evidence of an accelerating rise in sea level, as well as a significant and accelerating disappearance of land ice and sea ice – including that floating on the ocean surface – she emphasized.

She recalled that since the end of the 19th century, sea levels have increased by over 20 centimeters. Back in the 20th century, this process took place at an average rate of about 1.5 millimeters per year, at the beginning of this century it was about 3 millimeters per year, now – as the expert pointed out – the sea level is rising by almost five millimeters per year.

Satellite data helps monitor the state of our entire globe. – Thanks to them, we can measure temperatures in the lower layers of the atmosphere and the composition of the atmosphere. We can check cloud cover and precipitation in different parts of our world. Satellites also help us monitor greenhouse gas concentrations and how they travel in the atmosphere, explained Dr. Kardaś.

She added that satellite data are also used to observe the Earth's surface, e.g. sea level changes in different parts of the globe – because it does not change at the same pace everywhere. – Thanks to satellites, we are able to see not only what is happening on the coast, but also in the middle of the ocean and on all, even the smallest, islands – noted the expert.

She said that satellite technology also allows us to “weigh” the ice sheets, i.e. determine the mass of ice in Greenland and Antarctica. – Currently, it is estimated that gravity measurements – much more accurate than other methods – showing fluctuations in the mass of ice sheets, are the best for assessing how the melting of these large lumps contributes to sea level rise.

The atmospheric physicist admitted that the satellite image of the Earth shows the huge scale of changes taking place on our planet, especially in recent decades. – These changes are accelerating – this is indicated by, among others, a sharp increase in temperature, with the average temperature rising by 1.2 degrees since pre-industrial times. We are also noticing growing disturbances in the occurrence and amount of rainfall, sea level rise or the disappearance of the ice cover, e.g. at the North Pole, she noted.

She added that this information is very strong arguments in the discussion about the impact of human activity on the current climate crisis. – Today we can precisely measure various phenomena. Using satellites, we can identify their causes, for example, conclude that the increase in the average temperature on Earth is the result of high concentration of greenhouse gases, the emission of which is related to human activity – concluded Dr. Aleksandra Kardaś.