World Meteorological Day 2023 - Interview with GlobalTrust

On the 150th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization, we interview Euan Harvey from GlobalTrust about World Meteorological Day (WMD). This year's theme is The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations. We asked Euan about GlobalTrust's usage of satellite data to help the future of our climate and the technologies they are implementing to help in the future.

What's the difference between weather and climate?

Weather is the meteorological conditions we experience now, later today, tomorrow, this week. It can be the amount/type of precipitation, the temperature or the air pressure. Climate is the long-term temperatures and weather patterns expectations based on the previous 30 years.

Climate change is affecting us all, but which aspect should we be most concerned about?

Sea level change and coastal erosion are both major concerns. As sea levels rise, land is continually being lost and communities endangered, as well as displaced. This is an issue which hits hardest in some of the poorest parts of the world. This sea level rise can enhance rates of coastal erosion, doing permanent damage to some of the world’s most important ecosystems, such as mangroves and coastal dunes.

What is Global Trust doing to address this?

Using the latest satellite imagery and advanced analytics GlobalTrust has developed a methodology for mapping out global coastal erosion. Satellite data dates back to the early 1970s facilitating the ability to provide more than 50 years’ worth of change insights. This information is critical for local government planning, insurance companies and other key stakeholders.

What technologies are you using to find solutions to climate change?

Remote sensing data have global coverage, multi-temporal and multispectral capability, therefore, we use these datasets and a range of applications (including machine-learning models) to monitor climate change and its effects, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity and habitat loss, coastline erosion, etc.

How can we use space to help our climate?

One of the biggest climate concerns to date is the increase in the earth's C02 emissions. One mechanism to help protect and help reduce the effects of climate change is forests. Satellite remote sensing allows us to monitor the forest’s health and detect harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide, methane, and methyl.