Assess the impact of satellite-based climate monitoring systems in managing and mitigating climate risks. What are the advantages and limitations of relying on these systems for accurate climate data?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology holds substantial potential in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and fossil fuel-based power plants. CCS works by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and securely storing itRead more
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology holds substantial potential in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes and fossil fuel-based power plants. CCS works by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and securely storing it underground. It can significantly cut emissions from high-emitting industries such as cement, steel, and oil refining, where direct emissions are otherwise difficult to eliminate. In recent years, CCS projects have expanded globally, with countries like the United States, Norway, and Canada investing heavily in such initiatives to meet their carbon-neutrality targets.
However, implementing CCS in developing nations like India poses challenges. High upfront costs for CCS infrastructure, complex regulations, and limited technical expertise are significant obstacles. Additionally, India faces competing priorities, such as poverty alleviation, economic growth, and energy security. Expanding renewables and energy-efficient technologies are often prioritized over CCS due to their lower costs and quicker returns.
Furthermore, a lack of financial incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, and clear policies hinders the adoption of CCS in India. To make CCS viable, global partnerships, technology transfer, and financial support from developed nations could be essential. For example, international funding could help India pilot CCS in industrial hubs, gradually reducing emissions while balancing developmental needs.
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Satellite-based climate monitoring systems significantly contribute to managing and mitigating climate risks. *Advantages:* 1. Global coverage: Satellites provide comprehensive data on climate patterns. 2. High-resolution imagery: Detailed information on weather events, sea level rise, and land useRead more
Satellite-based climate monitoring systems significantly contribute to managing and mitigating climate risks.
*Advantages:*
1. Global coverage: Satellites provide comprehensive data on climate patterns.
2. High-resolution imagery: Detailed information on weather events, sea level rise, and land use changes.
3. Real-time monitoring: Timely data for early warning systems and emergency response.
4. Consistency: Standardized data collection ensures comparability over time.
5. Cost-effectiveness: Reduced costs compared to ground-based observation networks.
*Limitations:*
1. Data accuracy: Sensor calibration, atmospheric interference, and orbital degradation affect accuracy.
2. Spatial resolution: Limited resolution for local-scale climate phenomena.
3. Temporal resolution: Gaps in data due to orbital cycles and satellite lifespan.
4. Inter-satellite inconsistencies: Differences in sensor design and calibration.
5. Dependence on technology: Vulnerability to technological failures and obsolescence.
*Impact on Climate Risk Management:*
1. Improved weather forecasting
2. Enhanced disaster preparedness and response
3. Informed decision-making for climate adaptation
4. Monitoring of climate change indicators (e.g., sea level rise, glacier melting)
5. Validation of climate models
*Applications:*
1. Weather forecasting and warning systems
2. Climate modeling and prediction
3. Disaster risk reduction and management
4. Agriculture and water resource management
5. Urban planning and infrastructure development
*Examples of Satellite-Based Climate Monitoring Systems:*
1. NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites
2. European Space Agency’s Copernicus program
3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) GOES-R series
4. Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) INSAT and Kalpana satellites
*Way forward:*
1. Next-generation satellite constellations (e.g., NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory)
2. Integration with ground-based observations and models
3. Advanced data analytics and machine learning
4. International cooperation and data sharing
5. Development of climate-resilient infrastructure