Satellite observations

Satellite observations and models make it possible to monitor drought as it develops, but many tools describe weather conditions rather than the damage drought causes. They also miss related hazards that occur concurrently or in sequence, including heatwaves, fires, flooding and mudslides. Amir AghaKouchak presents impact-based drought monitoring that connects the hazard to physical and societal consequences such as crop losses, food availability, energy production and employment. The talk examines barriers to implementation, including incomplete impact data, limited local water-use informati

…It compares instruments on the ground, satellite observations and indirect evidence for earlier periods. The discussion addresses the construction of global averages from uneven observations, possible urban influences and changes in temperature extremes.

Cathy Clerbaux examines what satellite observations reveal about atmospheric pollution. The seminar distinguishes pollutants from greenhouse gases and explores how atmospheric constituents affect both air quality and climate. It reviews what measurements can establish, the comparisons they permit and the uncertainties that remain.

…Satellite observations of vegetation and greenhouse gases help constrain exchanges, while uncertain feedbacks remain important limitations for projections.