Satellite TEMPO Monitors Emissions Pollution Levels
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — NASA has a new tool out in space and it’s meant to monitor emissions pollution levels — and a first image was released from above Pennsylvania and the Northeast.
The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution satellite, or TEMO for short, sits 22,000 miles above Earth’s equator. It was launched April 9 and the first image was released Aug. 31.
“Neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit from TEMPO’s game-changing data for decades to come,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
First Image from TEMPO
In Pennsylvania, it probably comes as no surprise that the nitrogen dioxide density that TEMPO monitors is heaviest in the bigger cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The band of dark stretching from Washington, through Philly, and to New York City in the photo is along Interstate 95.
How TEMPO Works
According to NASA, TEMPO measures sunlight reflected and scattered off Earth’s surface, clouds, and atmosphere. Gases in the atmosphere absorb the sunlight, and the resulting spectra are then used to determine the concentrations of several gases in the air, including nitrogen dioxide.
TEMPO is designed to make hourly daytime scans of the lower atmosphere over North America between (approximately) Mexico City and central Canada, NASA said.
Benefits of TEMPO
- Provides game-changing data for neighborhoods and communities
- Monitors emissions pollution levels
- Helps in planning science studies based on new data collection methods
Conclusion
TEMPO is a satellite designed to monitor emissions pollution levels from space. It provides valuable data on gases in the atmosphere, including nitrogen dioxide, and its first image released above Pennsylvania and the Northeast highlights the density of nitrogen dioxide in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. TEMPO’s data will benefit communities for years to come and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to air quality and sustainable cities.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements
- Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
Analysis
The article discusses the launch of the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution satellite (TEMPO) by NASA to monitor emissions pollution levels. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 13: Climate Action
The issue of monitoring emissions pollution levels directly relates to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The launch of TEMPO and its ability to monitor emissions pollution levels can contribute to the integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. By providing accurate data on pollution levels, policymakers can make informed decisions to mitigate climate change.
Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning
The data collected by TEMPO can be used as an indicator to measure the progress of countries in integrating mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into their national policies, strategies, and planning.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
The article mentions that TEMPO measures several gases in the air, including nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant that can have negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services
Monitoring nitrogen dioxide levels can contribute to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By identifying areas with high nitrogen dioxide density, policymakers can take targeted actions to reduce pollution and protect terrestrial ecosystems.
Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
The data collected by TEMPO can be used as an indicator to assess the proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas. This information can help evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts in protecting biodiversity from the impacts of pollution.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wtaj.com
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