SCIENCE

NASA mission measures carbon footprint

By Sanjana Shankar

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Carbon footprint

Data from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite mission has helped estimate carbon dioxide emissions for over 100 countries.

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Implications

The findings from this pilot-scale project depict how space-based tools could help achieve climate goals in the long run.

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Tracking carbon impact

The OCO-2 mission, which launched in July 2014, is designed to provide a better idea of how carbon is contributing to climate change.

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Findings

Satellite data combined with surface-based observations provided information on carbon dioxide emissions and absorption by forests and other carbon-absorbing "sinks" in countries.

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Map

NASA's map illustrates net carbon dioxide emissions and removal from 2015-2020. Countries with higher emissions are marked in shades of tan or brown.

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