The Environmentalist

  A JOINT MISSION OF NASA AND USGS (Landsat 1 to 9) The launch of the nine Landsat satellites represents one of the longest and most important Earth observation programmes in human history. Each Landsat mission was placed into orbit to respond to growing scientific, environmental, and societal needs, while also building continuity in observing the Earth’s surface over time. Together, the nine satellites were not launched as isolated missions, but as part of a long-term vision to understand how the planet is changing. Landsat 1, launched in 1972, marked the beginning of satellite-based Earth observation for civilian and scientific purposes. Its main goal was to demonstrate that space-based sensors could reliably collect images of land, water, and vegetation. At the time,governments and scientists lacked consistent global data on natural resources. Landsat 1 proved that satellites could support agriculture, forestry, geology, and land-use planning. The success of this mission justifi...

  The Sentinel 1, Sentinel 2, and Sentinel 3 Satellites: Roles in Earth Observation. The Sentinel satellite missions are part of the European Union’s Copernicus Programme, which aims to provide continuous and reliable information about the Earth and its environment. Among these missions, Sentinel 1, Sentinel 2, and Sentinel 3 play central roles in monitoring land, oceans, and the atmosphere. Together, they support environmental management, disaster response, climate studies, and sustainable development. Sentinel 1 is a radar imaging satellite that uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. Unlike optical satellites, Sentinel 1 can collect data both day and night and in all weather conditions, including through clouds and rain. This capability makes it especially valuable for monitoring land movement, sea ice, oil spills, floods, and ship traffic. Sentinel 1A was launched in 2014, followed by Sentinel 1B in 2016. The data provided by Sentinel 1 are widely used in emergency resp...

  Himalayan mountain system and its geological cross-section. The image shows a clear and structured view of the Himalayan mountain system, showing both the surface landscape and the rock layers beneath it. It combines a natural mountain scene with a simplified geological cross-section. These mountain ranges are located in South and Central Asia, stretching across countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.  In the background, several major mountain ranges are visible. The Karakoram Range lies to one side, known for its high, steep peaks. Nearby is the Ladakh Range, which appears slightly lower and drier. Farther across the first image is the main Himalayan Range, with tall, snow covered mountains that dominate the skyline. In front of these high peaks is the Lower Himalaya, which consists of gentler slopes and lower elevations. Together, these ranges show the vast size and complexity of the Himalayan region.

  The Jos Plateau of Nigeria: An Overview The Jos Plateau is a major highland region located in north-central Nigeria, mainly within Plateau State. It stands out from the surrounding lowlands because of its elevated relief, cooler climate, and distinct physical features. With an average height of about 1,200 meters above sea level, the plateau plays an important role in Nigeria’s physical geography and human activities. Geologically, the Jos Plateau is known for its ancient rock formations, mainly granites and volcanic rocks formed through long periods of earth movement and erosion. The area is especially famous for its tin and columbite deposits, which led to extensive mining activities during the colonial period. Although large-scale mining has declined, its environmental effects, such as abandoned mine ponds and altered landforms, are still visible today. The climate of the Jos Plateau is milder than that of most parts of Nigeria. Temperatures are generally lower due to the high...

  The Amazon forest is one of the most important natural regions on Earth. It stretches across several South American countries and covers millions of square kilometres. Often called the “lungs of the planet,” the Amazon plays a major role in regulating the global climate and supporting life. The forest is home to an extraordinary variety of plants and animals. Tall trees form a dense canopy, while rivers and small streams flow through the forest floor. Thousands of species of birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles live here, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This rich biodiversity helps maintain ecological balance and provides food, medicine, and shelter for both wildlife and human communities. The Amazon is also vital to indigenous peoples who have lived there for centuries. These communities depend on the forest for their livelihoods, culture, and identity. Their traditional knowledge has helped protect the forest and use its resources in sustainable ways....

  Wli Falls and Its Environmental Significance in the Volta Region of Ghana Wli Falls, located in the Volta Region of Ghana near the Togo border, is widely recognised as the highest waterfall in West Africa. It lies within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, an area known for its rich biodiversity and striking natural landscapes. Beyond its visual appeal, Wli Falls holds ecological, cultural, and economic importance that makes it a valuable natural resource worthy of protection and scholarly attention. Geographically, Wli Falls is formed by the Agumatsa River, which flows from the Togo Atakora Mountains into Ghana. The waterfall is divided into an upper and a lower section, both surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. The steep cliffs and forest cover create a microclimate that supports diverse plant and animal species, including bats, butterflies, birds, and rare forest plants. This ecological setting highlights the role of waterfalls as natural systems that support life beyond thei...

Antarctica is the southernmost, coldest, driest, and windiest continent, largely covered by a massive ice sheet storing 60% of Earth's fresh water. As the fifth-largest continent, it has no permanent human population but hosts 1,000-5,000 scientists annually. Governed by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, it is dedicated to peace and scientific research, harbouring unique fauna like penguins and seals.  Key Facts About Antarctica:  Geography: It surrounds the South Pole, with 98% of its landmass covered by ice that averages 1.9 km in thickness. It is divided into East and West Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains. Climate: The average yearly temperature is -30° C. It is considered a polar desert, with very low precipitation. Wildlife: Life is limited to coastal areas and includes penguins (Emperor, Adélie), seals, whales, and microorganisms. Scientific Importance: It serves as a vital location for climate change studies, holding ice cores that reveal past atmospheric conditions....

  The River Niger: An Overview of Its Geography and Significance The River Niger is one of the most important river systems in Africa and a major physical feature of West Africa. It is the third longest river on the continent, with a length of about 4,180 kilometers. The river provides water, food, transport routes, and economic opportunities to millions of people living within its basin. The River Niger rises in the Fouta Djallon Highlands of Guinea, where rainfall feeds small streams that join to form the river’s source. From Guinea, the river flows northeast into Mali. In Mali, it spreads out to form the Inland Delta, a wide floodplain that supports farming, fishing, and livestock rearing. This region is one of the most productive ecological zones in the Sahel because seasonal flooding enriches the soil with nutrients. After leaving Mali, the River Niger flows eastward into the Republic of Niger. Here, it passes through the capital city, Niamey, and serves as a major source of f...

  🌍 About the Environmentalist Organisation The Environmentalist Organisation is a professional body dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability through education, research, and innovation. We provide high-quality environmental services by publishing credible academic articles and resources that address pressing global challenges such as climate change, waste management, hydrological processes, and the use of GIS and Remote Sensing in environmental monitoring and   decision-making. Our Goal  to advance environmental knowledge and promote sustainable solutions by sharing reliable, research-based information. Through the publishing of academic articles and scientific insights, we aim to foster awareness, support adaptation to climate change, and encourage the responsible management of natural resources. The organisation serves as a bridge between environmental science, policy, and practical action, empowering communities and professionals to make informed deci...

      Source: Sanusi, A. (2026) The map presents West Africa with clear contrasts in relief, vegetation cover, and climatic zones. Two major ecological belts dominate the region; a humid vegetated zone along the southern coast and a semi-arid to arid zone toward the north. These belts broadly follow a south-north gradient controlled by rainfall, temperature, and distance from the Atlantic Ocean. Regional spatial pattern Southern West Africa, especially the coastal and forest belt, is shown in green. This zone extends from Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea through Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and southern Nigeria. It reflects high rainfall, dense forests, wetlands, and productive agricultural land. In contrast, the northern part of the region transitions into yellow and light brown tones, indicating semi-arid conditions. This Sahelian belt stretches from Mauritania and Mali through Burkina Faso and Niger, with limited vegeta...

  Read full article: 1. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26786.49608 Abstract Understanding future temperature patterns is central to global climate research and national adaptation planning. This study examines projected global maximum temperatures for the late twenty-first century 2081-2100, focusing on the months of June and December, two periods representing opposite seasons across hemispheres. Using gridded climate projections from the WorldClim CMIP6 dataset, the analysis applies geographic information system (GIS) techniques within QGIS to visualise and interpret spatial differences in projected warming. The dataset was derived from the SSP5-8.5 scenario, a high-emissions pathway associated with strong warming, using the ACCESS-CM2 global climate model at a spatial resolution of 10 minutes. The five maps constructed from the GeoTIFF files reveal distinct seasonal patterns, with June showing extreme heat across the Northern Hemisphere especially Africa, Asia, and parts of Nort...

  Read full article:  https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12170.32965 Abstract Coastal flooding is a major threat to low-lying areas, especially in delta regions and lagoons. This study uses a raster-based flood simulation method in QGIS to evaluate potential flooding patterns due to rising sea levels and storm surges, specifically looking at a 3 m storm surge scenario. The research focuses on the Keta Municipal District and its immediate coastal communities, which are highly vulnerable to flooding because of their low elevation and closeness to the coast. Raster analysis techniques were employed to simulate flood extents for sea level rises of 4 m, 5 m, and 6 m. Boolean raster operations and map algebra were used in mapping inundated areas for each scenario. To make the simulation realistic, 3 m storm surge was run in conjunction with the three sea level rise scenarios ; 4 m, 5 m and 6 m to reflect extreme coastal flood rather than just gradual sea level rise. The results show a ...