What Drones Can Teach Us About Climate Problems
By Damon Johnson, Founder of Raising Drones
Let me be honest with you: when I first got into drones, I wasn’t thinking about saving the planet. I was thinking, “Wow, I can fly a camera through the sky—this is awesome!” But over the years, as technology advanced and the world started waking up to some big environmental issues, I realized something surprising…
Drones are more than flying gadgets. They’re becoming one of the most powerful tools in the fight against climate change.
No, seriously.
It turns out these little flying machines can teach us a whole lot about our climate—and maybe even help fix some of the problems we’ve created. So today, let’s explore how drones are stepping up and showing us things we’ve never seen before (and no, I’m not just talking about sweet aerial shots of your cousin’s wedding).
Eyes in the Sky (That Actually Matter)
You know what drones are really good at? Seeing the big picture.
With drones, scientists, conservationists, and even farmers are able to monitor massive landscapes quickly and without disturbing anything. Instead of hiking for days to check a forest, a drone can fly over in minutes and capture everything in high-resolution detail.
That bird’s-eye view helps us track deforestation, observe melting glaciers, measure sea level rise, and even follow the migration patterns of animals impacted by climate change.
And let’s be real—there’s no way you’re getting that kind of intel with a clipboard and a pair of binoculars.
Counting Trees, Tracking Heat, and Watching Coral Reefs
Here’s something wild: drones are helping count trees. Not just random backyard trees—I'm talking entire forests. With special sensors and cameras, drones can fly over areas affected by logging or wildfires and map out the damage. This helps experts figure out how fast forests are disappearing and where we need to focus reforestation efforts.
Some drones are even equipped with thermal imaging, which helps track heat patterns in urban areas. That data tells us which neighborhoods are heating up faster and what changes need to be made—like planting more trees or using cooler building materials—to help cities stay livable.
And let’s not forget underwater ecosystems. Coastal drones can hover above coral reefs and document bleaching events, algae overgrowth, and pollution, giving marine biologists crucial information to protect fragile ocean life.
Who knew a flying robot could double as a marine scout?
Disaster Response, Delivered Fast
When wildfires break out or floods hit, speed is everything. Drones are now playing a huge role in disaster response, flying into dangerous zones where it's too risky for people to go. They help first responders locate survivors, assess damage, and plan rescue operations without wasting precious time.
In places where climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, drones are becoming an essential part of the emergency toolkit.
Bonus: they don’t need roads, gas, or a bathroom break. They just fly in, get the job done, and fly out.
Drones Are Also Teaching Us to Be Smarter
It’s not just about the images or the maps. It’s about what we learn from them.
Drones collect an insane amount of data—temperature changes, moisture levels, air quality, you name it. Scientists are using that information to build better models and predictions about how our climate is shifting. And when you can predict something, you can prepare for it—or even prevent it.
In other words, drones aren’t just flying cameras. They’re teachers. They’re showing us how the planet is changing, and they’re helping us understand what we need to do about it.
Where Raising Drones Fits In
At Raising Drones, we’re not just flying for fun (though, yeah—it’s still really fun). We believe in using drone technology for more than just cool video reels. We teach people how to fly responsibly, get licensed, and explore all the ways drones can make a difference—not just in business, but in the world.
Whether you're a hobbyist looking to explore environmental projects or a future commercial pilot ready to turn drone data into meaningful change, we’ve got the training, experience, and tools to help you fly with purpose.
So if you’ve ever wondered how your love for drones could connect with something bigger—like climate solutions—you’re in the right place. Because the sky isn't the limit. It's just the beginning.
Final Thoughts
Drones can’t fix climate change all on their own. But they can shine a spotlight on the problems, and help the right people take action faster and smarter.
From counting trees to tracking disasters to helping us understand our rapidly changing planet, these machines are proving they’re more than just a tech toy. They’re one of the most unexpected heroes in the fight for Earth’s future.
So next time someone tells you drones are just for filming YouTube stunts, you can smile and say, “Sure. And also for saving the planet.”
Fly smart,
Damon Johnson
Founder, Raising Drones