Climate Resilience
NASA scientists are working with officials from Rio de Janeiro and New York City,
using satellite data, to prepare for the effects of climate change.
Climate resilience focuses on anticipating and preparing for issues
like sea level rise and urban heat islands.
Sea Level Rise
Melting glaciers and the expansion of water as it warms contribute to rising sea levels.
NASA scientists use climate models to predict how and where the seas will rise.
In New York, city officials take these projections into account while rebuilding from major storms
like Hurricane Sandy, and anticipating future coastal flooding.
Urban Heat Islands
Dark surfaces like pavement in cities absorb heat. As green spaces disappear,
expanding cities lose the cooling effect of plants evaporating water.
As a result, cities are often warmer than their surrounding areas.
NASA scientists use thermal bands from satellites like Landsat and MODIS
to understand how city layouts can affect the heat they produce.