It is widely known that the Earth system undergoes change due to human influence. However, how can one estimate the extent of change without an adequate knowledge of the actual pre-industrial atmospheric chemistry of the planet and, then, infer the differences?
Significant progress has been made in understanding and quantifying seaweed emissions. Research has pinpointed seaweeds as strong emitters of iodine, but quantifying the amount of iodine released by seaweeds poses an unusual and tricky challenge for atmospheric scientists.
The Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer is helping to improve atmospheric monitoring and pollution forecasts. With the recent launch of the MetOp-B satellite and the scheduled launch of MetOp-C, atmospheric condition monitoring will continue to improve.
The NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) develops courses for end-users on the application of satellite data and imagery to environmental decision-making activities related to water resources, air quality, and disaster management. ARSET makes course materials publicly available and actively encourages their use by environmental managers or others interested in developing their own applied remote sensing courses.
A newly released study shows that if no new climate change or air pollution legislation is implemented, average world air quality will worsen by 2050. This research is the first-ever analysis piece of all man-made air pollutants harmful to human health.
Growing awareness of the deficiencies of today’s greenhouse gas inventories is inspiring innovation by scientists, policymakers and activists. There is growing hope for ÛÏtop-downÛ schemes based on rapid and even real-time measurement of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Now the push is on to install ground and satellite-based instruments.
Articles published for Earthzine’s Atmospheric Chemistry theme (June 20-Sept. 22, 2012) address current issues, techniques and applications related to Atmospheric Chemistry measurements and their broad application to global change issues and policy.
