NASA has created a new center that will measure the effects of human-caused climate change. The institution, in particular, will measure emissions of polluting gases that cause the greenhouse effect, warming the planet. The US space agency made the announcement during COP28, the UN climate change summit taking place this year in Dubai.
“NASA data is essential to making the changes needed on the ground to protect our climate,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said last week in announcing the creation of the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center. Nelson explained that the main goal is to help disseminate key data that supports action to stop climate change.
NASA is leading the project along with other US government agencies. These include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Officials, non-profit organizations and companies will be able to access computer models that track changes in greenhouse gases and emissionsThis is stated in a statement from NASA.
“We’re working to get the right data into the hands of people who can use it to manage and track greenhouse gas emissions,” Argyro Kavvada, program director for the center at NASA Headquarters in Washington. A database of emissions in the US and the rest of the world is now available on the center’s website.
NASA seeks more data on climate change
The website contains information about how human activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As well as sources of origin of natural greenhouse gases and data related to methane emissions.
Global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, will reach record levels this year, according to a preliminary report Global carbon budget published last week. Countries are expected to release a total of 40.9 billion tons of CO₂ in 2023. That’s an increase of 1.1% over 2022, according to the report, prepared by scientists from more than 90 institutions.
Tomorrow ends COP28, the most important global meeting to discuss action on climate change. It remains to be seen whether the meeting will reach an agreement to reduce emissions of polluting gases that are in line with the goals set in the Paris Agreement.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said last week that 2023 will definitely be the hottest year on record. Drastic cuts needed. The world needs to cut emissions by 28% by 2030. This will prevent global warming from exceeding 2°C since pre-industrial times.
Source: Hiper Textual
