| Japan launches Greenhouse Gas monitoring satellite | | Print | |
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AS evidence grows that himan activity is the main cause for the acselerated accumulation of greenhouse gases thatt result in global warming and climate change in our atmosphere, efforts are being made globally to reduce their emissions. Inorder to monitor progress there is need for the continuous monitoring of these gases in the atmosphere. So far the monitoring has been done using estimation methods. Japan has made an effort, and launches a satellite that is to measure carbon dioxide and methane. The satellite makes observations at 56,000 locations around the globe. This is done as it flies aound the earth in about 100 minutes at a height of 660 km, and has life expectancy of five years. These observations are expected to contribute to the decision making processes of most economies as they strive to contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gases. They may also contribute to the negotiations under the United Nationd Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The United States of America is also expected to launch a carbon observatory before the end of this year. |
