The article discusses how satellite data from MODIS is used to study changes in land cover, carbon levels, and water on Earth. Scientists analyze various land characteristics like vegetation cover, temperature, and productivity to understand global environmental changes. They found that terrestrial net primary production has increased by 6% in the last 18 years. This data helps in monitoring wildfires, droughts, and managing water resources. MODIS provides high-quality measurements that are crucial for tracking changes in the environment.