Earth, the third planet from the Sun, is unique in our solar system for its ability to support life. This is due to the presence of liquid water, which covers 70.8% of Earth's surface in the form of a global ocean. The remaining 29.2% of Earth's surface is land, mostly in the form of continents. Earth's crust is dynamic, composed of moving tectonic plates that create mountains, volcanoes, and cause earthquakes. A liquid outer core generates a magnetosphere that protects Earth from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.
1980: Start of Period for Tracking Extreme Weather Fatalities
A period of analysis on the impact of extreme weather events, including their human death toll, began in 1980.
2000: End of Tracking Period for Extreme Weather Fatalities
By the year 2000, marking the end of a specific analysis period, extreme weather events were found to have caused an average of 11,800 human deaths per year from 1980 onwards.
2006: Close Approaches of Near-Earth Asteroid
In 2006, the near-Earth asteroid 2006 RH120 was observed making close approaches to the Earth-Moon system, with an orbital pattern that brings it close roughly every twenty years, during which it can temporarily orbit Earth.
2010: Discovery of Earth Trojan Asteroid
In 2010, astronomers discovered 2010 TK7, an asteroid librating around the leading Lagrange triangular point, L4, in Earth's orbit around the Sun, making it an Earth Trojan asteroid.
2015: Assessment of Global Irrigation Practices
By 2015, it was determined that 2% of the 12-14% of ice-free land used for crops was irrigated.
2018: Evaluation of Countries Meeting Basic Needs Within Planetary Boundaries
In 2018, an assessment revealed that no country was meeting the basic needs of its population without exceeding planetary boundaries, emphasizing the challenge of sustainable development.
2019: Analysis of Land Use and Forest Cover
In 2019, a study revealed that 39 million km² of Earth's land surface was forest and woodlands, while 12 million km² was shrub and grassland.
2020: Temperature Increase Relative to Preindustrial Levels
In 2020, global temperatures were estimated to be 1.2 °C warmer than the preindustrial baseline, highlighting the impact of human activities on climate change.
September 2021: Assessment of Human-Made Satellites and Space Debris
As of September 2021, it was reported that there were 4,550 operational, human-made satellites orbiting Earth, along with inoperative satellites and over 16,000 pieces of tracked space debris.