Published annually since 2011 as a supplement to the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, the State of the Climate provides a trusted benchmark of Earth's vital signs. It draws on observations from satellites, weather stations, ocean buoys and field research. ESA contributes by converting decades of satellite data into consistent, climate-quality records of essential variables such as sea level, ice, glaciers, permafrost and soil moisture.
"For more than a decade, our climate data records have contributed to the BAMS State of the Climate report, reflecting the commitment and expertise of our teams in delivering high-quality, robust Earth observation datasets," said Clement Albergel, head of ESA's Actionable Climate Information Section. He added, "These long-term records are essential for providing clear evidence of how our planet's climate is changing."
In 2024, ESA data informed multiple report sections. Soil moisture records revealed stark contrasts, with unusually wet conditions in the Sahel while the Americas experienced severe drought, including record-breaking drought coverage in the United States. These results came from ESA's Soil Moisture Project, which uses microwave sensors from ERS and SMOS satellites to track global water content.
The Lakes Project reported the highest recorded lake-surface temperature anomalies, with more than half of the monitored 2000 lakes showing anomalies above +0.5 oC compared to the 1995-2020 baseline. This monitoring helps assess the impact of warming on freshwater ecosystems and resources.
The Permafrost Project highlighted accelerating rock glacier velocities in Central Asia since the 1950s, with rapid changes since 2010 consistent with rising air temperatures. These rock glaciers act as key indicators of permafrost health and early warnings of environmental change.
The Land Surface Temperature Project found hotspots surpassing 60 oC on several continents, tracked at 1 km resolution using Copernicus Sentinel-3 data. These extreme conditions highlight regions nearing thresholds of human habitability.
Finally, the Ozone Project delivered rare positive news. Stratospheric ozone in 2024 reached the highest levels in the northern hemisphere since satellite monitoring began in 1979, with some regions showing concentrations last seen in the 1960s. Recovery was also evident in the southern hemisphere following lows caused by wildfire and volcanic pollution between 2020 and 2022.
Research Report:State of the Climate report
Related Links
European Space Agency
Climate Science News - Modeling, Mitigation Adaptation
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