Satellite to give clearer picture of global emissions

A closer look at the satellite

An observation satellite launched on Thursday by China to monitor carbon dioxide levels in Earth’s atmosphere aims to provide a clearer picture of whether countries’ efforts to cut emissions are working.

“The satellite will keep a clear record of CO2 emissions and absorption in different countries,” said Li Jiahong, chief engineer of China’s National Remote Sensing Center. “It will also identify emissions sources with higher efficiency than traditional measures.

“This will give us a bigger global voice on climate change issues as well as influence in the thriving global emissions trading market,” Li said.

The satellite, which was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China at 3:22 am, will measure CO2 levels every 16 days.

CO2 is one of the main gases that trap heat near the surface of Earth and result in the greenhouse effect.

“Although CO2 is the major greenhouse gas to be blamed for global warming, it constitutes only a tiny part of Earth’s atmosphere. It’s very difficult to precisely measure the levels,” said Yang Zhongdong, a researcher at the China Meteorological Administration and chief designer of the satellite’s ground application system.

Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 have increased by 40 percent since the Industrial Revolution.

The carbon emissions data used for negotiations at international climate summits are based on statistics including fossil fuel usage and economic development.

“Despite being widely used, the data have many uncertainties, such as CO2 emissions brought about by fossil fuels,” Yang said. “Satellite observation from space, on the other hand, can effectively reduce the uncertainty and provide more accurate data.”

Currently, there are two carbon satellites in use: the United States’ Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, which was launched in 2014, and one launched by Japan in 2009.

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