Climate change and deforestation are two of the most pressing environmental challenges facing humanity. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is causing a global rise in temperatures. This warming trend is leading to a cascade of negative consequences, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, melting glaciers and polar ice, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns. Deforestation, the clearing of forests for other land uses such as agriculture and urbanization, exacerbates the problem. Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Their removal not only eliminates this carbon sink but also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, further contributing to climate change. NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, plays a vital role in monitoring and understanding these environmental changes. Using advanced satellite technology and sophisticated data analysis techniques, NASA scientists collect vast amounts of data on global temperatures, ice melt, deforestation rates, and greenhouse gas concentrations. This data provides crucial insights into the extent and impacts of climate change and deforestation, informing policy decisions and conservation efforts. For instance, NASA's satellite imagery allows scientists to track deforestation in real-time, identifying areas experiencing significant forest loss and helping to target conservation interventions. Furthermore, NASA's climate models help predict future climate scenarios, providing valuable information for policymakers to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. However, the challenge is immense. Combating climate change and deforestation requires a global, coordinated effort involving governments, industries, and individuals. While NASA's contributions to monitoring and understanding these issues are invaluable, technological solutions alone are insufficient. Significant changes in human behavior and consumption patterns, coupled with strong policy frameworks, are crucial to effectively addressing these global crises. The future of our planet depends on the collective will to act decisively and collaboratively.
1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of climate change mentioned in the passage?
2. What is the primary role of trees in mitigating climate change, as described in the passage?
3. How does NASA contribute to understanding and combating climate change and deforestation?
4. What is the author's overall perspective on addressing climate change and deforestation?