Róisín Commane sleuths out greenhouse gas leaks to fight climate change
Róisín Commane sleuths out greenhouse gas leaks to fight climate ... Science News Magazine
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New York’s Greenhouse Gas Accounting Problem
New York State has a significant problem when it comes to accurately accounting for its greenhouse gas emissions. While the state tracks various sources of air pollution, including energy production, transportation, and waste management, the recorded data often does not align with the actual levels of pollutants in the air. One particular mystery is the unexpectedly high levels of methane over New York City.
Investigating the Issue
Róisín Commane, an atmospheric chemist at Columbia University, is dedicated to solving this accounting problem. She combines her skills as an accountant and a detective to search for unidentified or misclassified sources of greenhouse gases in the city. By gathering this information, she aims to improve our understanding of anthropogenic emissions in New York City.
Quantifying Emissions
There are two primary methods for quantifying emissions: bottom-up models and top-down models. Bottom-up models calculate total pollution based on individual sources using representative values for each type of emission. Top-down models, on the other hand, measure total pollution moving through an area using direct measurements from tower sensors or planes. The challenge lies in reconciling these two approaches to ensure they accurately represent the atmosphere.
The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Accurate accounting of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for New York to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. It also allows for a better assessment of the effectiveness of reduction efforts. Commane emphasizes the importance of tangible evidence that emissions are being reduced. Additionally, the findings from her work in New York City can inform similar efforts in other locations, particularly those with comparable natural gas infrastructure.
Emissions Estimates vs. Reality
Commane compares atmospheric modeling to solving a complex puzzle. Her background in chemistry and mathematical physics, along with her expertise in building tools to measure atmospheric gases, has equipped her for this task. She has made notable contributions to the field, such as her work on Arctic carbon. Commane extended her experiments to include the winter months, revealing the potential for Arctic soil emissions to offset summer carbon uptake. This work highlights the urgent need to address emissions at their source.
Accounting for Vegetation
Commane’s research also sheds light on the role of vegetation in carbon accounting models. She discovered that New York City’s trees absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide, particularly during the afternoon. Incorporating vegetation into models is essential to accurately measure total emissions from human activity in the atmosphere.
Unraveling the Mystery of Methane
Methane levels in the air above New York City are significantly higher than predicted by bottom-up models. To investigate this discrepancy, Commane analyzes methane levels relative to other gases and uses source attribution techniques to determine their origin. Through ground-truthing, she has identified chimneys, rooftops, and certain equipment in landfills and wastewater treatment plants as major sources of methane emissions. This information can guide engineering solutions to reduce leakage and improve overall emission management.
A Solutions-Oriented Approach
Commane’s collaboration with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is particularly rewarding as it focuses on finding practical solutions. By repeatedly measuring emissions and characterizing their sources, progress can be made in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Commane finds hope in being able to actively contribute to addressing climate change and believes that taking action makes a significant difference.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from individual sources in New York City.
- Comparison of atmospheric measurements with bottom-up models to reconcile emissions estimates.
- Monitoring of methane levels in the air above the city and identification of sources through source attribution techniques.
- Assessment of the impact of vegetation, particularly trees, on carbon dioxide absorption in the city.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from individual sources in New York City. – Comparison of atmospheric measurements with bottom-up models to reconcile emissions estimates. – Monitoring of methane levels in the air above the city and identification of sources through source attribution techniques. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Measurement of greenhouse gas emissions from individual sources in New York City. – Comparison of atmospheric measurements with bottom-up models to reconcile emissions estimates. – Monitoring of methane levels in the air above the city and identification of sources through source attribution techniques. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | – Assessment of the impact of vegetation, particularly trees, on carbon dioxide absorption in the city. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: sciencenews.org
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