New observation network to detect and measure non-CO2 gas emissions
Following the conclusion of the EU-funded INGOS project, formed of research institutions from fourteen participating countries, scientists have been able to enhance Europe’s observational capacity to record non-carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst there are now well-established methods for recording industrial CO2 emissions, it had proven much more difficult to effectively measure the emissions contributions of other potentially harmful gases, such as nitrous oxide and methane. Previously, only educated calculations on the exact quantity of emissions of these gases could be made, due to the fact that they originate from many different sources, from waste landfill sites to food production. New Atmospheric Observation system developed To address this challenge, the INGOS project implemented a network of atmospheric observation stations across Europe as a means to specifically collect and combine measurements for these gases and cross-reference them with other data. The infrastructure project works on standardising the measurements, strengthening the existing observation sites into supersites, allowing for capacity building in new EU Member States, and preparing for integration with other networks already in place or currently being set-up (such as ICOS, the carbon equivalent of INGOS). This sophisticated observation system, which generates data to allow for the detection of emission source ‘hotspots’, allows for a much more comprehensive understanding of how these gases influence the ecosystem and contribute to overall greenhouse gas emissions. The observation stations were also redesigned to detect new potential greenhouse gases, even if they are emitted in very small concentrations. INGOS has already been able to identify several new gases that were previously unknown, or newly introduced to the market (as a means to replace conventional industrial gases). This is due to the sensitivity of the observation network being able to pick-up very small concentrations of emissions. The particular case of methane detection One of the key non-CO2 gases INGOS focussed on has been methane. Methane molecules retain much more heat than CO2 and therefore contribute relatively more to global warming. The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has displayed a highly variable trend, with years of strong increase followed by years of stability, followed again by increases. Methane is formed naturally by bacteria in wetlands and from livestock, but human activity currently releases more into the atmosphere than natural resources. The INGOS project used its large measurement tower in Cabauw, the Netherlands, to conduct for the first time detailed measurements of methane with high time resolution. This made it possible for the project team to determine whether methane is created by natural bacteria or fossil fuels. Future impact of the project The success of the project is now likely to support informed policy decisions on climate change and international reduction protocols for non-CO2 greenhouse gases and research strategies. It is expected that emission reduction in non-CO2 greenhouse gases will be more cost-effective than measures taken to reduce conventional CO2 emissions. The observation capacities developed by INGOS will now allow for the independent verification of claimed emissions reductions, thus contributing to both the development of European environmental and competitive policies, as well as increasing public trust in the measures taken to address global climate change. For further information please visit: INGOS project website
Countries
Netherlands