This conversation delves into the ambitious GeoCARB project, which aimed to revolutionize carbon monitoring from space. Sean Crowell discusses the project's inception, technical achievements, and the challenges faced, including budget constraints and competition from international efforts. Despite the cancellation of the mission, the validated instrument remains ready for potential future opportunities, highlighting the resilience and persistence of the scientific community in the face of adversity.

More about GeoCarb:

http://www.ou.edu/geocarb

Keywords

GeoCARB, carbon monitoring, NASA, greenhouse gases, climate science, remote sensing, environmental data, carbon cycle, geostationary orbit

In this conversation, Dr. Sean Crowell interviews Yasjka Meijer about the advancements in remote sensing technology and its application in monitoring greenhouse gases. They discuss the importance of satellite data, the role of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Copernicus program, and the challenges faced in accurately measuring CO2 and methane emissions. Yashka shares insights from his career, the significance of continuous data collection, and the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to address climate change effectively. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of climate action and the role individuals can play in mitigating emissions.

Learn more about CO2M and Copernicus here:

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Introducing_Copernicus

https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/co2m

Keywords: remote sensing, greenhouse gases, satellite technology, climate monitoring, Copernicus program, CO2M mission, ESA, air quality, methane measurements, validation

Takeaways

- The Copernicus program aims to provide continuous data for climate monitoring.

- Satellite technology is crucial for understanding greenhouse gas emissions.

- Operational satellites must ensure data continuity and accuracy.

- Engagement with the private sector enhances data utilization for climate action.

- The CO2M mission focuses on measuring anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

- Validation of satellite data is essential for accurate climate assessments.

- The global stock take is a critical component of the Paris Agreement.

- Public perception of climate change needs to shift towards urgency.

- Individual actions can significantly contribute to reducing emissions.

Outline

00:00 Introduction to Remote Sensing and Greenhouse Gases

00:56 New Chapter

02:56 Yasjka Meijer's Journey in Atmospheric Science

05:47 The Evolution of Copernicus Programs

08:03 The Role of ESA in Earth Observation

10:35 Engagement with the Private Sector in Copernicus

12:54 The Importance of Continuous Monitoring

15:46 CO2M: A New Era in Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

17:59 Challenges in Measuring CO2 and Methane

20:16 The Design and Functionality of CO2M Satellites

35:08 Building on Heritage: The Role of Mission Advisory Groups

37:54 Innovations in Spectrometer Design for CO2 and Methane Measurement

41:37 The Importance of NO2 in Emission Estimates

44:45 Addressing Aerosol Challenges in Satellite Observations

47:09 Data Products and Collaboration in Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

50:32 The Role of Copernicus in Climate Monitoring

53:30 Validation and Accuracy in Satellite Measurements

56:56 International Collaboration for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

59:30 The Role of SEOS in Climate Observations

01:05:02 Personal Contributions to Climate Action

01:08:37 The Urgency of Climate Change and Individual Responsibility

01:17:55 Introduction to Carbon Sense Podcast

01:17:56 Exploring Carbon Footprint and Its Impact

In this conversation, Sean Crowell interviews J-F Gauthier, Vice President of GHGSat, about the company's mission to monitor greenhouse gas emissions using satellite technology. J-F shares his unique journey into the field of remote sensing, the evolution of GHGSat, and the challenges faced by commercial entities in this space. The discussion covers the importance of accurate emission detection, collaboration within the remote sensing community, and the future goals of GHGSat, including the ambition to monitor every emitter globally on a daily basis. J-F emphasizes the need for actionable data to drive environmental change and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the fight against climate change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to GHG-Sat and Its Mission

00:20 JF Gauthier's Background and Career Path

03:47 The Genesis of GHG-Sat and Its Technology

06:38 Current Constellation and Future Plans

08:30 Commercial Challenges in Methane Monitoring

12:23 Understanding GHG-Sat's Detection Capabilities

15:56 Validation Efforts and Transparency in Data

21:54 Collaboration and Standardization in the Industry

25:13 Uncertainty in Measurements and Its Implications

25:50 Understanding False Positives in Methane Detection

27:42 The Role of Wind in Emission Measurements

29:52 Source Attribution Challenges in Emission Data

32:46 Human Oversight in Automated Data Analysis

34:14 Customer Interaction and Data Delivery

39:53 Future Goals for GHGSat

44:40 Challenges in CO2 Measurement

49:36 The Importance of Actionable Data

Keywords

GHGSat, remote sensing, greenhouse gases, methane detection, CO2 monitoring, satellite technology, environmental impact, emissions measurement, climate change, industrial emissions

White paper on GHGSat Validation: https://www.ghgsat.com/en/scientific-publications/validation-and-metrics-for-emissions-detection-by-satellite/