Climate change effects on earth are already beginning to transform our lives and its impacts are far-reaching with impending catastrophic consequences. In this connection, some images recently released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) show how the world has changed over the years.

The images show incredible changes to our planet’s landscapes, from flooding rivers to vanishing lakes, shrinking sea ice to newly created islands. We can even see the dramatic effects of urban expansion and what light pollution looks like from space.

As NASA sums it this way: “Our planet is constantly changing, and we use the vantage point of space to increase our understanding of Earth, improve lives, and safeguard our future.”

 

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Muir Glacier melt, Alaska

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Pedersen Glacier melt, Alaska

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Imja Glacier melt, Himalayas

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Mabira Forest, Uganda.

November, 2001 — January, 2006.

 

 

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Powell Lake, Arizona and Utah.

March, 1999 — May, 2014.

 

 

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Aral Sea, Central Asia.

August, 2000 — August, 2014

 

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The Dasht River, Pakistan.

August, 1999 — June, 2011

 

 

 

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Arapaho Glacier melt, Colorado

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Lake Oroville, California

July, 2010 — August, 2016

 

 

 

 

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Matterhorn Mountain in the Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Italy

 

August, 1960 — August, 2005

 

 

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Bear Glacier, Alaska

July, 1909 — August, 2005

 

 

 

 

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Carroll Glacier, Alaska

August, 1906 — September, 2003

 

 

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Toboggan Glacier, Alaska

June, 1909 — September, 2000

 

 

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McCarty Glacier, Alaska

July, 1909 — August, 2004

 

 

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Older, thicker Arctic sea ice receding

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