Feature

The Earth Observing System: A Space-based Program for Assessing Mankind's Impact on the Global Environment

Michael D. King, David D. Herring, and David J. Diner

These days, we frequently hear or read news about global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, desertification, and loss of biodiversity, and wonder what the quality of life on Earth will be like in the future. Unfortunately, too few data currently exist to provide an adequate description. We know that there have been warming and cooling trends throughout the Earth's history, and that global climate change has arisen from natural causes. However, now there is compelling scientific evidence that global climate change is being accelerated by human activities.

Publish Date: 01 January 1995