Space-based earth observation in support of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement ...

• Main Authors: Hegglin, Michaela I., Bastos, Ana, Bovensmann, Heinrich, Mielke, Christian
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: My University 2022
• Subjects: Klimaänderung; Erdbeobachtung; Anpassung; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.60810/openumwelt-1829; https://openumwelt.de/handle/123456789/2312

Space-based Earth observation (EO), in the form of long-term climate data records, has been crucial in the monitoring and quantification of slow changes in the climate system - from accumulating greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, increasing surface temperatures, and melting sea-ice, glaciers and ice sheets, to rising sea-level. In addition to documenting a changing climate, EO is needed for effective policy making, implementation and monitoring, and ultimately to measure progress and achievements towards the overarching goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement to combat climate change. The best approach for translating EO into actionable information for policymakers and other stakeholders is, however, far from clear. For example, climate change is now self-evident through increasingly intense and frequent extreme events - heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding - costing human lives and significant economic damage, even though single events do ...