Importance of atmospheric measurements confirmed
The recent Greenhouse gas Bulletin, published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlights the importance of measuring greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to monitor emissions of such climate-threatening compounds and even detect unknown ones (exemplified by CFC-11). The results of global observations obtained for 2017 within the WMO's Global Atmosphere Watch program reveal novel record values for greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
The Bulletin also features the European Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) which provides a growing network of atmospheric stations with standardized measurements. Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) plays a central role within ICOS by managing one of the two Central Analytical Laboratories, the Flask and Calibration Laboratory (FCL). MPI-BGC also contributes to the Global Atmosphere Watch program by hosting the Central Calibration Laboratories for CO2 stable isotopes and molecular hydrogen.