Essential variables

Essential Climate Variables are the key aspect of the Earth system used to understand and monitor climate change. ESA’s Climate Change Initiative uses satellite observations to create reliable, long-term datasets for 27 of these important variables.

ESA tracks various ECVs from sea surface temperature, greenhouse gas concentrations to land cover changes. These data enable scientists to identify trends, improve predictions of change and better understand climate cycles, feedbacks and tipping points.

Collectively, these records inform decisions to tackle climate change and protect our planet's future.

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