This summer has brought unprecedented weather challenges worldwide, reflecting the intensifying effects of climate change.
Flooding has been particularly severe, with Sudan experiencing catastrophic conditions that have led to the tragic loss of 17,000 lives so far in 2024.
In addition, Europe has seen record-breaking temperatures, and wildfires in California have forced thousands to evacuate their homes.
Currently, Western and Central Africa, along with Central and Eastern Europe, are grappling with ongoing flooding. Several regions across these areas have declared states of emergency as a result of the floods.
New satellite constellation launched to monitor wildfires and enhance climate change predictions.This extreme weather pattern is attributed to climate change: rising temperatures are causing more intense rainfall, while warmer ocean temperatures are leading to increased evaporation that fuels more powerful storms.
Millions of people across seven African nations have been displaced, while in Europe, countries like Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary are also dealing with significant flood impacts.
The urgency of these conditions has alarmed climate scientists, who, though not surprised by the severity, emphasize the borderless nature of climate change and its impacts.
According to experts, there are significant gaps in tracking flood-related displacement and damage, which could lead to underestimations of the true scale of human suffering.
In response to these challenges, technological advancements are being pursued to better monitor and predict such events. Google has recently announced a new constellation of 50 satellites designed to track wildfires and other environmental changes.
These small satellites are becoming crucial tools for observing global pollution, monitoring crops, and collecting climate data. As the demand for Earth-monitoring technology grows, it is anticipated to greatly contribute to the global economy and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years.