Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure

The increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been a major cause of global warming and climate change. Scientists have warned that without taking necessary actions to mitigate these changes, the impacts could be catastrophic for the planet. In response, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has introduced the Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure to provide standardized and real-time tracking of greenhouse gases.

What is the Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure?

The Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure is a new platform that integrates space-based and surface-based observing systems to improve the measurement of planet-warming pollution. The platform is expected to offer faster and more precise data on changes in the planet’s atmosphere.

The infrastructure comprises three major components:

• A Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) network of monitoring stations that measure greenhouse gas concentrations and other atmospheric parameters. The network includes surface and remote sensing stations located in different parts of the world.
• The Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System (IG3IS) that combines data from different sources to assess regional and global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) that uses satellite data to provide information on air quality and greenhouse gas concentrations.

How will the Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure help?

The Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure seeks to clarify uncertainties about where greenhouse gas emissions end up. The platform will provide essential information and support for implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The infrastructure will help to:

• Improve understanding of the sources, transport, and sinks of greenhouse gases.
• Monitor the effectiveness of climate policies and the progress towards meeting emission reduction targets.
• Provide data to support the development of new climate policies.
• Increase transparency and accountability in reporting greenhouse gas emissions.
• Support international cooperation in addressing climate change.