In Brief: Data from NASA and other institutions show that the global decline in coral reefs is mainly driven by climate change and other human actions, including pollution. While some corals survive even under harsh conditions, scientists emphasize the importance of taking action to better protect and manage reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Together they support over a quarter of all known marine species, protect coastlines during storms, and help local economies through fisheries and tourism. However, decades of data, collected in part from NASA’s air ..read more

In Brief: Coral reefs, one of the most important ecosystems in the world, are in a global decline due to climate change. Data from airborne and satellite missions can fill in the gaps in underwater surveys and help create a global perspective on the state of ocean reefs. Coral reefs, nicknamed the rainforests of the sea, are colorful, majestic underwater worlds teeming with life. However, their future is in jeopardy due to climate change, water pollution, and other human activities. Let’s explore why corals are important to us, how they are changing, and NASA’s role in monitoring their health ..read more

In Brief: Aerosols are small particles in the air that can either cool or warm the climate, depending on the type and color of the particle. We often think of aerosols as spray paint, insect repellant, or similar substances sprayed from a can. But aerosols are actually small particles or droplets that float in the air, and it turns out these little particles can have big effects on Earth’s climate. Aerosols come in many forms. They can be natural, like wildfire smoke, volcanic gases, or salty sea spray. Human activities can also generate aerosols, such as particles of air pollution or soot. T ..read more

In Brief: As the ocean warms and land ice melts, ocean circulation — the movement of heat around the planet by currents — could be impacted. Research with NASA satellites and other data is currently underway to learn more. Dynamic and powerful, the ocean plays a vital role in Earth’s climate. It helps regulate Earth’s temperature, absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and fuels the water cycle. One of the most important functions of the ocean is to move heat around the planet via currents. The Atlantic Ocean's currents play an especially important role in our global climate. The m ..read more

In Brief: The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is measured at Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii, and all around the world. NASA also measures CO2 from space. Data from around the planet all shows the same upward trend. The longest record of direct measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere comes from Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These measurements began in 1957 and continue today, painting a clear picture of how CO2 has been changing over the seasons, years, and decades. Mauna Loa is an active volcano, though, so ..read more

In Brief: Due to global warming, global climate models predict hurricanes will likely cause more intense rainfall and have an increased coastal flood risk due to higher storm surge caused by rising seas. Additionally, the global frequency of storms may decrease or remain unchanged, but hurricanes that form are more likely to become intense. From June 1 to November 30, many Americans turn their eyes to the tropics — not just because they’re dreaming of beach vacations, but because it’s hurricane season. Called by many names depending on where you live (hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones), scientis ..read more

In Brief: As Earth’s climate warms, incidences of extreme heat and humidity are rising, with significant consequences for human health. Climate scientists are tracking a key measure of heat stress that can warn us of harmful conditions. How hot is too hot? As Earth’s climate warms, heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe. The health dangers of extreme heat have scientists and medical experts increasingly concerned. And for good reason: heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States each year. A recent example is the record-breaking heat wave that hit th ..read more

Water vapor is Earth’s most abundant greenhouse gas. It’s responsible for about half of Earth’s greenhouse effect — the process that occurs when gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat. Greenhouse gases keep our planet livable. Without them, Earth’s surface temperature would be about 59 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) colder. Water vapor is also a key part of Earth’s water cycle: the path that all water follows as it moves around Earth’s atmosphere, land, and ocean as liquid water, solid ice, and gaseous water vapor. A simplified animation of the greenhouse effect. Since the l ..read more

In Brief: It’s not your imagination: Certain extreme events, like heat waves, are happening more often and becoming more intense. But what role are humans playing in Earth’s extreme weather and climate event makeover? Scientists are finding clear human fingerprints. The year 2021 has seen a flurry of extreme events around the globe. Among the many that have captured headlines so far this year: Devastating flooding in Australia, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Northeast. California’s massive Dixie Fire, now the state’s second largest on record. A crippling U.S. polar vortex event that paralyzed Te ..read more

How do we work together to create a nation resilient against climate change? Earlier today, NASA joined forces with FEMA to co-host their Resilient Nation Partnership Network Alliances for Climate Action Virtual Forum Series. NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson, Official Portrait, Monday, May 17, 2021, NASA Headquarters Mary W. Jackson Building in Washington. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls NASA’s researchers, innovators, and pioneers are on the forefront of climate action. NASA’s Earth observation and research supports the Biden administration’s climate agenda, which outlines putting the climate c ..read more