Innovative Method Using Satellite Observations of NO2 to Monitor Fossil Fuel CO2 Emissions

A recent review has unveiled an innovative method for monitoring fossil fuel CO2 emissions using satellite observations of co-emitted NO2. This approach promises to provide more precise and efficient emission tracking compared to traditional ground-based methods, overcoming significant challenges in distinguishing human-made emissions from natural sources. By capitalizing on the short atmospheric lifespan and high detectability of NO2, this method enhances the ability to monitor emissions at a variety of scales, from individual power plants to entire nations. This new technique plays a vital role in bolstering global climate change mitigation efforts and ensuring countries meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Reliable and accurate monitoring of CO2 emissions is a cornerstone of effective climate change mitigation strategies. While traditional methods largely depend on ground-based measurements and bottom-up inventories, these approaches are often resource-intensive and prone to errors. Satellite technology has emerged as a promising alternative, but the challenge remains in distinguishing anthropogenic emissions from natural processes. The long atmospheric lifetime of CO2 makes it difficult to pinpoint localized sources of emissions and track changes over time. Additionally, natural emissions and background concentrations can obscure signals from human activity. To overcome these hurdles, new, more advanced monitoring techniques are needed.

On October 18, 2024, a team from Tsinghua University published a review (DOI: 10.1007/s11783-025-1922-x) in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, presenting a novel method to monitor fossil fuel CO2 emissions by utilizing satellite observations of NO2. This method offers a more reliable and scalable solution for tracking emissions, from localized sources like power plants to broader national levels.