[citation][nom]geekapproved[/nom]Wow amazing how this entire part of the planet is turning into desert.If you looked at that pic 20yrs ago there was a lot more greenery in Africa, especially near the river delta.[/citation]
You have misinterpreted the photo. According to the Western Hemisphere shots, Canada and the US have the same desert wasteland appearance as Saudi Arabia, which we know isn't correct.
VIIRS, the instrument taking the photos, is designed to focus on the atmosphere and accentuate things like clouds and aerosols, it is NOT meant to be a color accurate representation of ground foliage.