Advancements in space technology which have helped climate scientists better understand the impact of global warming on the Earth are being celebrated this week.
The current World Space Week (WSW), organised by the United Nations and celebrated annually from October 4th to 10th is featuring events this year that highlight the theme ‘Space & Climate Change.’
WSW promotes awareness of space exploration and its impacts on science, technology, and international cooperation. Each year, the event is centered around a specific theme, encouraging global participation through events, educational programs, and community outreach.
This year marks it’s 25th anniversary, and the theme emphasises the role space exploration plays in mitigating the effects of climate change on Earth. Recent themes have included topics including ‘Space and Sustainability’ and ‘Women in Space’.
The theme was chosen to spark global discussions about the intersection of space exploration and climate action, reflecting the need for collaboration between space and environmental sectors to better understand and manage the Earth’s climate.
‘WSW 2024 stands as a connecting platform for global collaboration, uniting experts, students and enthusiasts from diverse fields to discuss and craft strategies utilising space technology for ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change,’ say the organisation.
From Space to Earth
Satellites continuously monitor the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans, providing crucial data on greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, ice melt, and ocean temperatures. This real-time data helps scientists track the progression of climate change and predict its impacts
Space technology is also used to monitor weather patterns and changes in global sea levels, providing information needed for more accurate predictions and remediation. Satellite’s can also monitor events such as wildfires, melting ice, shifts in the seasons, floods, hurricanes and record shifts in temperature.
Satellites are crucial tools in helping to track and predict extreme weather events which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Early warning systems enabled by space technology can save lives and mitigate economic losses by preparing for these events.
Events for World Space Week are held around the globe, with over 16,000 planned for 2024 across more than 90 countries.
Activities range from educational workshops and interactive sessions to panel discussions and collaborative projects. These include film shows and activities in Mirdif, Dubai, and an inter-schools quiz at Pristine School, Dubai.
The UN began World Space Week celebrations in 1999. It is observed annually during the first week of October in recognition of the launch of Sputnik, the first human-made object to reach orbit on October 4th 1957, and the signing of the regulatory Outer Space Treaty, which happened a decade later on 10th October.
