[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6gUnXpBMfyI]
We live in a world with a wealth of information at our fingertips, and more and more frequently even extraordinary ways in which this information can be presented. Case in point is this video: it showcases data gathered by satellites on the “greenness” of our planet from 2012 to 2013. Check it out and see how seasons affect vegetation cover around the world.
What is even more interesting to me is how well man-made land change is made visible: whether deforestation in the Amazon or megacities in Europe or in China, the dots where the lush green is interrupted gives great evidence of human impacts on our soils and ecosystems.
Still, such technology can become a great tool to combat some of these adverse practices too: we recently read an article on how satellite-based data helps Brazilian police to apprehend and fine illegal deforestation activities; and further this video explains how vegetation changes in the Horn of Africa could be used as an early-warning system for droughts.
This is the kind of technological progress I like!
What do you find most noteworthy in the video?
Very interesting video. Most noteworthy in the video were the TWO SENTENCES which described Australia, compared to the time they spent on North and South America and the Middle East/Northern Africa. It’s not like Aus is going to be a major breadbasket for its Asian neighbours for the next few decades or anything.
Actually I probably sound more bitter than I am. Eastern Europe didn’t get much of a mention, nor did northern Asia, really, and you can’t expect a lot in five minutes 🙂
This kind of technology is only going to get more important, I think, as our global population swells and producing food becomes more expensive. It’s both interesting and quite sad, how evident an impact are the massive fires and forest-clearing. Thank you for sharing (and honestly, the Australia thing — really not a big deal).