A collaboration among Rutgers, NASA and other institutions outlines an integrated approach to greenhouse gas and wind observations
A study published by the W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies in collaboration with Rutgers University, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, presents a roadmap for harnessing global-scale trace gas and atmospheric wind observations to improve the monitoring, attribution and mitigation of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.
The report, Tracing Greenhouse Gases: A Blueprint for a Joint Meteorology and Atmospheric Composition Program, highlights that the rapidly increasing volume of trace gas observations from satellites, aircraft and surface-based sensors presents an opportunity to improve air quality assessments and surface temperature outlooks. However, the researchers said the true value of these observations depends on the ability to interpret them accurately.
A critical finding is that improved understanding of the vertical movement of air in the atmosphere is essential for translating trace gas measurements into actionable insights, a challenge that requires close collaboration among scientific communities that have traditionally worked separately.
"The complexity of air movement and atmospheric composition have fostered two relatively separate research communities," said Mary Whelan, an associate professor with the Rutgers Department of Environmental Sciences who is one of three lead authors of the study. "We can be more effective by bringing them together in a thoughtful way."
The study emerged from a five-day workshop held in early October 2024, titled "Forging Community Consensus for an Integrated GHG and Winds Program." Hosted by the Keck Institute in Pasadena, Calif., the workshop was led by Whelan, Nick Parazoo of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Paul Wennberg of the California Institute of Technology.
The effort convened leading experts in surface-air exchange science, which examines how much carbon is emitted and absorbed by the Earth's surface, along with specialists in meteorology, space-based remote sensing and atmospheric modeling reflecting broad engagement across academia, federal laboratories and research organizations.
"Bringing together 29 participants from four countries representing 20 organizations, the study exemplifies the mission of the Keck Institute to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing integrated, space-based approaches to greenhouse gas monitoring," said Harriet Brettle, executive director of the institute.
Whelan noted the publication marks a step forward in aligning space-based atmospheric science with societal needs for reliable, transparent greenhouse gas monitoring and verification. By proposing an integrated greenhouse gas and winds program, the report lays the groundwork for future mission concepts, shared community platforms and policy-relevant tools that can support climate action worldwide.
"The integrated greenhouse gas and wind program targeting multiscale carbon management needs would be timely as NASA begins the process for the next Decadal Survey," Parazoo said.
The Earth Science Decadal Survey is a report published every ten years by the National Academies. It outlines the most important research priorities in Earth science, especially studies that use satellites and other space-based tools to observe and understand our planet.
As global demand increases for high-fidelity emissions data, the blueprint positions the research community to help bridge a critical gap between atmospheric measurements, transport modeling and actionable information on emissions and removals.
"I think one of the interesting things that emerged from the workshop was the idea of a coordinated research program that integrates data across both existing and potential future missions," Wennberg said. "I am hopeful that the next decadal will be less focused on promoting individual missions and rather addressing key questions."
To accelerate progress, researchers behind the study propose closer integration between researchers who study air movement and people who study what that air is made of. The shared goal of this multiinstitution effort is to translate observations into actions that support effective climate mitigation strategies and informed decision-making.
