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Google, NASA Bring New Monitoring Methods to Climate Change Debate
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While everyone’s eyes have recently been on the global climate discussions in Copenhagen, the two most recognizable names from the Space Age and Cyberspace Age have quietly been developing their own methods to monitor the Earth’s thermostat.
As DiscoveryNews reports, both NASA and Google are unrolling projects that could significantly help track the ways Earth’s climate evolves. Google’s new Earth Engine program offers stacks of data on deforestation, a phenomena that many cite as the primary driver behind climate change. While Google patrols the forests, NASA will be manning the skies with a relaunch of its Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite, the previous generation of which crashed into the ocean back in February. Until now, most satellite maps of carbon outputs relied on guesswork and estimation — as scientists haven’t been able to keep up with the rapid upcropping of coal-powered plants and factories. The revamped satellite, though, would more precisely pinpoint where the majority of carbon emissions are originating, and have that data available in real time. The relaunch is still contingent upon White House approval, but, as presidential science adviser John Holdren says, “I’m optimistic.”
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Posted by:
jacobstree
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(Posted 12/18/09)
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