Improved greenhouse gas monitoring

GHG emissions are the principal cause of global climate change, and GHG monitoring networks are crucial in monitoring and limiting their impact. The EU's GHG in-situ monitoring programme, ICOS, is completed by satellite data, but it has some gaps in its coverage.

The EU-funded ICOS-INWIRE (ICOS improved sensors, network and interoperability for GMES) project is developing monitoring systems and improved software to enhance the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) network. ICOS is a key data provider for the GHG service of the Copernicus programme (previously known as Global Monitoring for Environment and Security, GMES).

ICOS-INWIRE has designed, developed and tested a new robust remote sensing station set up that can measure GHG concentrations and fluxes in remote places. Key components of the prototype sensing station were tested successfully in French Guyana, Namibia, Finland and Sweden.

Other project work has focused on improving software, algorithms and models used by ICOS. Researchers have also defined protocols and methods for near real time data transfer to Copernicus and other processes to streamline and improve ICOS outputs.

ICOS-INWIRE engaged with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) a process to standardize flux measurements.

ICOS-INWIRE researchers have taken steps to ensure that ICOS continues to produce the highest-quality GHG emissions data possible. Improved knowledge of GHG emissions will lead to better decision making to deal with the threat of climate change.