As the world faces the overwhelming challenge of climate change, innovative technologies are playing an increasingly critical role in helping to monitor, analyze, and mitigate its effects. Among these technologies, Earth observation (EO) satellites stand out as invaluable tools. These sophisticated machines orbiting above us provide a wealth of information that is crucial for understanding and addressing the impact of climate change. From tracking deforestation to monitoring natural disasters, satellite data is shaping the future of environmental management, agriculture, and financial decision-making.
The Urgent Need for Accurate Climate Data
The urgency of addressing climate change has never been greater. Global temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and vulnerable communities are facing the brunt of these changes. Understanding how these phenomena unfold and predicting future trends is vital for crafting effective climate policies and taking preventive action. In this context, traditional methods of monitoring environmental changes, such as ground-based observations, are often too slow, localized, and limited in scope. This is where satellites come into play.
Satellites equipped with sensors and imaging technologies can capture vast amounts of data, providing real-time insights into the state of the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans. This data allows scientists, governments, and businesses to track climate change at a global scale, making it easier to devise and implement solutions.
Unlocking Satellite Potential in Climate Change Mitigation
In recent years, advancements in satellite technology have made it possible to gain deeper insights into climate patterns and their effects. Earth observation satellites now offer high-resolution imagery that is critical for tracking deforestation, monitoring glacial melt, assessing the health of crops, and observing coastal erosion. By providing this data, satellites help researchers identify early warning signs of climate impacts and make informed decisions on how to mitigate them.
For example, in the realm of agriculture, satellites can help farmers monitor crop health, predict droughts, and assess soil conditions. This empowers them to make more informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest management. In regions heavily dependent on agriculture, such as parts of Africa and South Asia, this capability can be transformative. By anticipating weather patterns, farmers can prepare in advance, minimizing crop losses and improving food security.
Moreover, the use of satellite data in forestry management is another key area where it plays a crucial role. Satellites can track the progress of deforestation, helping policymakers and environmental organizations identify illegal logging activities and take preventive measures. With satellite data, countries can establish protected areas, monitor biodiversity, and promote sustainable forestry practices—all critical elements of combating climate change.
The Role of Satellite Data in Financial Decision-Making
One of the less discussed but incredibly important roles of satellite data is its ability to influence financial decision-making, particularly in sectors vulnerable to climate-related risks. Financial institutions, particularly those involved in lending, are increasingly using satellite data to assess risks related to climate change. This has been especially crucial in the agricultural lending sector, where erratic weather patterns can cause substantial financial losses.
For example, consider a bank providing loans to farmers in a region prone to drought. Traditional methods of assessing risk may not provide an accurate picture of the potential financial impact. However, with satellite data, banks can monitor environmental conditions in real time, providing a more reliable and up-to-date assessment of the risk. By doing so, they can adjust loan terms, offer more flexible repayment options, or take preemptive measures to protect their investments.
Furthermore, satellite data can help financial institutions identify emerging risks in other sectors, such as real estate and infrastructure. For example, coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, which can damage infrastructure and properties. By analyzing satellite imagery, financial institutions can gain a better understanding of the long-term risks posed by climate change, allowing them to adjust their portfolios accordingly.
The Intersection of Satellite Data and Climate Policy
As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, policymakers are turning to satellite data to guide their decisions. In order to create effective climate policies, governments need access to accurate, timely, and comprehensive data. Satellites provide this by offering a bird’s-eye view of the Earth’s changing landscapes, which is essential for understanding how various climate factors are interacting with each other.
For instance, satellite data can inform the development of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By tracking the carbon footprints of different sectors, governments can identify which industries are contributing the most to climate change and create targeted policies to reduce emissions. In the energy sector, satellites can monitor the health of solar farms, wind turbines, and other renewable energy infrastructure, helping governments ensure that these systems are functioning efficiently.
Moreover, satellite data can aid in the enforcement of climate agreements. By using Earth observation data, countries can monitor each other’s emissions and verify compliance with international climate accords. This transparency is crucial for ensuring that countries are held accountable for their climate commitments.
Advancing the Future of Climate Monitoring with Satellite Data
While satellite data has already made a significant impact on climate change mitigation, the potential for future advancements is even more exciting. The next generation of satellites promises even higher resolution imagery, more sophisticated sensors, and faster data processing capabilities. As these advancements unfold, the role of satellite data in climate change mitigation will only grow.
One area where satellite technology is expected to make a major impact is in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). By combining satellite data with AI, scientists and analysts will be able to process vast amounts of information more efficiently, uncovering patterns and trends that were previously hidden. This could lead to more accurate climate models, allowing policymakers to make better predictions and decisions.
Additionally, satellites will play a crucial role in supporting climate adaptation efforts. As some regions experience the irreversible effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels or desertification, satellite data will be essential for monitoring these changes and guiding adaptation strategies. Whether it’s relocating vulnerable communities or implementing large-scale reforestation projects, satellite data will be indispensable in ensuring that these efforts are both effective and sustainable.
The power of satellite data in mitigating climate change cannot be overstated. From monitoring agricultural health to guiding financial decisions and informing climate policies, the role of satellites in understanding and addressing climate change is immense. As technology continues to evolve, the potential for satellite data to drive impactful solutions for climate change will only grow. By harnessing the insights provided by satellites, humanity can take bold and informed steps toward a more sustainable future.
The Impact of Satellite Data on Environmental Sustainability and Conservation
As the urgency to tackle climate change continues to escalate, there is an increasing focus on the preservation and restoration of our planet’s ecosystems. Environmental sustainability and conservation efforts are now more critical than ever, and one of the most effective tools to aid these efforts is satellite technology. Through Earth observation (EO) satellites, we can monitor large-scale environmental changes, track biodiversity loss, and assess the health of ecosystems. These insights are helping to shape conservation strategies and provide decision-makers with the tools they need to implement sustainable solutions.
Understanding Ecosystem Health with Satellite Data
The health of ecosystems is fundamental to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services, such as clean air, water, and fertile soil. They also support biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and regulate weather patterns. However, human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization have put immense pressure on ecosystems, causing widespread degradation.
Satellites have become indispensable tools for monitoring the health of ecosystems in real time. Equipped with advanced sensors, satellites can capture high-resolution imagery that helps researchers detect changes in land cover, identify areas of deforestation, monitor forest regeneration, and track the degradation of wetlands and other critical habitats.
For example, the Amazon rainforest—often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth”—plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Satellites equipped with remote sensing technology can track changes in the forest cover, identify illegal logging activities, and assess the impacts of climate change on the region’s biodiversity. By providing this data, satellites enable governments and environmental organizations to take timely action to protect these vital ecosystems.
Satellites and the Fight Against Deforestation
One of the most pressing environmental issues today is deforestation. Forests are being cleared at an alarming rate, contributing to biodiversity loss, disrupting local climates, and releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an area of forest the size of 27 football fields is lost every minute.
Satellites are playing a pivotal role in monitoring deforestation and combating illegal logging activities. By using satellite imagery, authorities can track deforestation in real time and take immediate action to prevent further damage. Moreover, satellite data enables governments and NGOs to establish and enforce conservation policies, such as creating protected areas, implementing reforestation projects, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
In regions like Southeast Asia and Central Africa, where deforestation is particularly rampant, satellite data has been instrumental in identifying illegal logging activities and providing evidence for law enforcement. By combining satellite imagery with advanced analytics, organizations can identify deforested areas, detect trends in logging activities, and assess the impact of these activities on surrounding ecosystems.
Monitoring Water Resources with Satellite Data
Water is a vital resource for life, but it is increasingly under threat due to overconsumption, pollution, and climate change. Access to clean water is a growing concern, particularly in regions facing droughts or experiencing rapidly changing weather patterns. In this context, satellites are playing a crucial role in monitoring water resources and ensuring their sustainable management.
Satellite-based remote sensing technologies can measure various aspects of water bodies, including the size, depth, and temperature of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Additionally, satellites can monitor water quality by detecting pollutants, algae blooms, and sedimentation in bodies of water. This data is invaluable for managing freshwater resources and protecting ecosystems that depend on water, such as wetlands and aquatic life.
In drought-prone areas, satellite data can be used to monitor soil moisture levels and predict water shortages. This information helps governments and organizations to manage water resources more efficiently, allocate water where it is most needed, and implement conservation measures to prevent water scarcity.
Moreover, satellite data is essential for monitoring the health of coastal and marine ecosystems. Satellites can track sea surface temperatures, sea-level rise, and the impacts of climate change on coral reefs and mangroves. By providing this data, satellites help inform conservation efforts in marine protected areas and guide policies aimed at preserving biodiversity in coastal regions.
Supporting Biodiversity Conservation with Satellite Data
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it is essential for maintaining ecosystem functions and resilience. However, biodiversity is under increasing threat due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources. As species become endangered or extinct, ecosystems lose their ability to provide vital services, such as pollination, pest control, and water purification.
Satellites play a critical role in biodiversity conservation by providing real-time data on the state of ecosystems and habitats. Through satellite imagery, researchers can track changes in land use, monitor habitat fragmentation, and assess the health of species-rich areas, such as tropical rainforests and coral reefs. This information helps conservationists identify priority areas for protection, restoration, and sustainable management.
For example, in Africa, satellites are being used to monitor the movement and behavior of endangered species, such as elephants and rhinos. By tracking their movements through satellite imagery, conservationists can better understand their migration patterns, identify threats to their habitats, and prevent poaching. This data also helps to establish wildlife corridors and protect critical habitats, ensuring that these species have access to the resources they need to survive.
Moreover, satellite data is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. By comparing before-and-after images, researchers can assess whether efforts to restore habitats or protect endangered species are having the desired impact. This enables conservation organizations to adjust their strategies as needed and ensure that their efforts are making a tangible difference in preserving biodiversity.
Climate Change and the Need for Real-Time Environmental Monitoring
Climate change is one of the most significant threats to global biodiversity, and its impacts are already being felt in ecosystems worldwide. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme weather events are putting additional stress on already vulnerable habitats and species. In this context, the ability to monitor environmental changes in real time is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting biodiversity.
Satellites are providing unprecedented capabilities for tracking climate-related changes in ecosystems. From monitoring the melting of polar ice caps to observing the shifting ranges of plant and animal species, satellite data is crucial for understanding the full extent of climate change and its impact on the environment.
As the global community continues to address the challenges of climate change, satellites will remain an indispensable tool for environmental sustainability and conservation. With the ability to monitor large-scale changes, detect emerging threats, and guide conservation efforts, satellite technology will play a pivotal role in preserving the planet’s ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Satellite data has become an essential tool in the fight for environmental sustainability and conservation. Through advanced remote sensing technologies, satellites provide real-time insights into ecosystem health, monitor deforestation and water resources, and support biodiversity conservation efforts. As we face the challenges of climate change, these insights are helping to guide decision-making and inform strategies for protecting the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. By harnessing the power of satellite data, we can take meaningful steps toward safeguarding the future of our environment and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient world.
The Role of Satellite Data in Advancing Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
The rapid advancement of technology has dramatically transformed our ability to understand and combat climate change. Satellite technology, in particular, has revolutionized the way we monitor the planet’s ecosystems, track environmental changes, and predict future trends. As climate change accelerates, it is crucial to have accurate, real-time data to guide mitigation strategies. Satellite data has proven to be a game-changer, offering an unparalleled ability to track greenhouse gas emissions, monitor energy consumption, and assess the effectiveness of climate interventions. In this article, we will explore how satellite data is playing a pivotal role in advancing climate change mitigation strategies.
Tracking Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Space
Greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), are the primary drivers of global warming and climate change. Reducing these emissions is essential for meeting international climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. However, one of the greatest challenges in addressing climate change is accurately measuring emissions at a global scale.
Satellites are providing a solution to this challenge. Satellite-based sensors are now capable of detecting and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere with unprecedented precision. For instance, NASA’s OCO-2 (Orbiting Carbon Observatory) satellite can measure CO2 levels in the Earth’s atmosphere, providing valuable data on how these emissions are distributed across different regions. This data helps scientists understand the sources and sinks of carbon, as well as track trends in emissions over time.
Methane, another potent greenhouse gas, is often harder to measure because it is emitted in smaller quantities and has a relatively short atmospheric lifetime. However, satellites such as the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P have been designed to measure methane concentrations from space. This capability is vital for tracking emissions from natural gas production, landfills, agriculture, and other sources, allowing policymakers to target the most significant emitters and implement mitigation strategies more effectively.
Monitoring Deforestation and Land-Use Change
Land-use change, particularly deforestation, is a significant contributor to climate change. When forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, or other purposes, large amounts of stored carbon are released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. According to the World Resources Institute, around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation, making it one of the most pressing environmental issues.
Satellite data plays a crucial role in monitoring deforestation and land-use change in real-time. With the help of high-resolution imagery from satellites, scientists can track the loss of forests across the globe, identify areas of illegal logging, and monitor the effectiveness of conservation efforts. For example, the Global Forest Watch platform, powered by satellite imagery, provides up-to-date data on forest cover loss, enabling governments, NGOs, and local communities to respond quickly to threats.
Beyond monitoring deforestation, satellites can also track land-use changes associated with agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development. By analyzing land cover change over time, satellite data helps identify regions where land management practices need to be improved to reduce carbon emissions and increase carbon sequestration. This is particularly important in countries with rapidly expanding urban areas, where land-use policies can significantly impact emissions levels.
Assessing Energy Consumption and Efficiency
The energy sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity and heating. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, it is essential to monitor energy consumption patterns and assess the efficiency of energy systems. Satellites are proving to be invaluable tools in this effort, providing a unique ability to monitor energy infrastructure and usage from space.
Satellites equipped with remote sensing technologies can measure the energy consumption of buildings, factories, and other infrastructure. For example, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses satellite imagery to monitor the energy use of cities and urban areas by detecting heat emissions from buildings and streets. This data helps identify areas with high energy consumption, allowing cities to implement targeted energy efficiency measures, such as improving building insulation, upgrading lighting systems, and encouraging the use of renewable energy.
In addition to monitoring energy consumption, satellites can also assess the performance of renewable energy installations, such as solar and wind farms. By tracking the output of these facilities from space, satellite data can provide valuable insights into their efficiency and potential for expansion. This information helps policymakers and businesses make informed decisions about where to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and how to optimize energy production.
Monitoring the Impact of Climate Interventions
As the world intensifies its efforts to combat climate change, it is crucial to assess the effectiveness of climate interventions. Are the policies and strategies being implemented successfully reducing emissions and improving environmental conditions? Satellite data provides a powerful tool for answering this question by offering an objective, global perspective on the outcomes of climate interventions.
One example of how satellite data is being used to monitor climate interventions is the assessment of reforestation and afforestation projects. These initiatives aim to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance carbon sequestration by planting new forests. Satellites provide valuable data on the progress of these projects, enabling organizations to monitor tree growth, track changes in biomass, and evaluate the success of restoration efforts.
Similarly, satellite data is being used to assess the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. Satellites can monitor the movement of CO2 and detect any potential leaks, ensuring that these technologies are functioning as intended.
Furthermore, satellite data is helping to track the impact of climate adaptation strategies, such as water management programs and disaster preparedness initiatives. By providing real-time data on factors such as soil moisture, water availability, and weather patterns, satellites help communities adapt to the changing climate and reduce the risks associated with droughts, floods, and other extreme events.
Satellite Data for Climate Change Risk Assessment
In addition to monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of climate change mitigation efforts, satellite data is also instrumental in climate change risk assessment. Climate change presents a wide range of risks, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to agricultural systems. By providing detailed information about these risks, satellite data helps communities, governments, and organizations better prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges.
For example, satellites can monitor the melting of glaciers and ice caps, which contributes to rising sea levels. In coastal regions, satellite data is being used to track changes in sea levels and predict the potential impacts of flooding and storm surges. This information is crucial for developing early warning systems, designing resilient infrastructure, and planning for the relocation of vulnerable communities.
Similarly, satellites can track changes in agricultural productivity due to climate change. By monitoring factors such as crop health, soil moisture, and temperature, satellites provide valuable insights into how changing climate conditions are affecting food production. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions about crop selection, irrigation practices, and pest management, ensuring food security in the face of a changing climate.
Satellite data is an indispensable tool in the global effort to mitigate climate change. By providing real-time insights into greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, energy consumption, and the effectiveness of climate interventions, satellites are helping to guide mitigation strategies and assess their impact. As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change, satellite technology will play a central role in shaping a sustainable future. By harnessing the power of satellite data, we can make more informed decisions, improve the efficiency of climate policies, and ultimately reduce the impact of climate change on our planet.
Future Prospects: How Satellite Data is Shaping the Future of Climate Action and Sustainability
The fight against climate change requires innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies. Satellite data is proving to be one of the most powerful tools in this global challenge, not only helping monitor the current state of the planet but also enabling proactive climate action and sustainable development. As satellite technology continues to evolve, its role in environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and policy development will expand, offering new opportunities to combat climate change and create a sustainable future. This final part of the series will delve into the prospects of satellite data in climate action, highlighting emerging technologies, new applications, and the potential for transformative change in global environmental policies.
The Evolution of Satellite Technology: A Glimpse into the Future
Satellite technology has come a long way since the first Earth-observing satellites were launched in the 1960s. Today, satellites provide high-resolution images, real-time data, and advanced monitoring capabilities that were once unimaginable. But the future holds even more potential, with the rapid evolution of satellite capabilities enabling new methods of environmental monitoring and data collection.
One of the most promising advancements is the development of small satellites, or “CubeSats,” which are compact, cost-effective, and capable of delivering high-quality data. These small, lightweight satellites are revolutionizing the accessibility of space-based monitoring, enabling a greater number of organizations, governments, and private companies to deploy their own satellites for climate monitoring. CubeSats are also able to operate in constellations, working together to provide continuous and comprehensive coverage of the Earth’s surface.
Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with satellite data analysis is set to revolutionize how climate data is interpreted and used. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of satellite data far more quickly and accurately than human analysts, identifying patterns and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed. This combination of satellite technology and AI promises to accelerate the pace of climate action by providing more precise predictions and actionable insights into the state of the environment.
Expanding the Role of Satellites in Renewable Energy Monitoring
As the world transitions to renewable energy, satellite data is playing an increasingly important role in monitoring and optimizing clean energy systems. Solar and wind power are central to reducing global reliance on fossil fuels, and satellite data is crucial for ensuring that these technologies are deployed effectively.
Satellites equipped with remote sensing instruments are helping to optimize the siting and operation of solar panels and wind turbines by providing data on solar radiation, wind speed, and other environmental factors. By analyzing this data, planners can determine the best locations for new renewable energy projects, improving their efficiency and reducing the cost of energy production.
Furthermore, satellites can monitor the health and performance of existing renewable energy infrastructure, detecting issues such as panel degradation or turbine malfunction. This capability helps energy providers maintain the efficiency of their operations and minimize downtime, ensuring a stable supply of renewable energy.
Looking ahead, the combination of satellite technology and renewable energy could lead to the creation of a global energy monitoring network. This network would provide real-time insights into energy production and consumption, helping governments and businesses optimize energy use, reduce waste, and further accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Enhancing Disaster Management and Climate Resilience with Satellites
Natural disasters, such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. In this context, satellites are proving invaluable in disaster management, helping to predict, monitor, and respond to extreme weather events. The ability to quickly assess the impact of disasters and deploy aid is crucial for minimizing damage and saving lives.
Satellites are particularly effective in tracking weather patterns and detecting early warning signs of disasters. For example, meteorological satellites provide real-time data on atmospheric conditions, enabling better prediction of hurricanes and severe storms. By combining satellite data with advanced modeling techniques, scientists can forecast the potential path and intensity of these storms, allowing governments to issue warnings and evacuate vulnerable areas ahead of time.
Similarly, satellites can monitor the aftermath of natural disasters, providing crucial data for assessing damage and coordinating relief efforts. Following a hurricane or earthquake, for instance, satellites can quickly capture high-resolution images of affected areas, identifying damaged infrastructure, flooded regions, and areas in need of humanitarian assistance. This data helps governments and relief organizations make informed decisions about where to deploy resources and how to prioritize recovery efforts.
As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, satellite technology will be essential for enhancing disaster resilience. By providing real-time information and supporting timely interventions, satellites can help communities better prepare for and recover from climate-induced events.
Satellite Data and Sustainable Agriculture: A Vision for the Future
Agriculture is a key sector that is both impacted by climate change and critical to addressing global food security. As climate change leads to more erratic weather patterns and shifting growing seasons, it is essential to use every available tool to help farmers adapt and mitigate the effects of these changes. Satellite data is one such tool that is transforming the agricultural landscape.
Satellites can provide farmers with valuable insights into soil health, crop conditions, and water availability. For example, remote sensing technologies can detect changes in soil moisture, helping farmers optimize irrigation practices and reduce water waste. Similarly, satellites can monitor crop health by detecting early signs of disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies, allowing for timely interventions and minimizing the need for chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
As the global population grows and demand for food increases, satellite technology will play a vital role in ensuring that agricultural systems remain resilient and sustainable. By providing accurate, real-time data, satellites will help farmers make better decisions, increase crop yields, and reduce environmental impacts, contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure future.
Collaboration and Policy Development: A Global Approach to Climate Action
The future of satellite data in climate action depends not only on technological advancements but also on increased collaboration and policy development at the global level. The challenges posed by climate change are global, requiring coordinated efforts from governments, private industry, and civil society to tackle them effectively.
International cooperation is already evident in the efforts of space agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and others, which are working together to share satellite data and research findings. Through initiatives like the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), governments are joining forces to improve the accessibility and usability of satellite data for climate monitoring and environmental management.
In addition to international collaboration, satellite data will play a critical role in shaping climate policies and regulations. By providing objective, evidence-based insights into environmental changes, satellite data can inform decision-making processes, helping policymakers design more effective and targeted climate policies. Furthermore, satellite data can support the implementation of climate finance mechanisms, ensuring that resources are allocated to the most vulnerable regions and sectors.
Conclusion
The potential of satellite data to drive climate action and support environmental sustainability is vast and growing. From tracking greenhouse gas emissions and monitoring deforestation to optimizing renewable energy systems and enhancing disaster resilience, satellites are playing an essential role in addressing the complex challenges of climate change. As technology continues to evolve, the applications of satellite data will only expand, offering new opportunities for mitigating climate impacts, promoting sustainable development, and creating a more resilient and equitable world. By harnessing the power of satellite data, we can not only monitor the health of our planet but also take proactive steps to protect it for future generations.
