Japan to launch first Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite

The developed world, especially the United States, may not like this but in 2008 Japan would be sending into space the world’s first Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) which would not only specify the quantum of emission by every region but also observe and analyse the concentration of greenhouse gases in all continents.

The GOSAT data will make it possible to ascertain the global distribution of carbon dioxide and methane and the geographical distribution of all seasonal and inter-annual variation in the flux of greenhouse gases.

The analysis will not only contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of the behaviour of causative global warming agents, but also provide fundamental information to refine climate change predictions and, thus, formulate counter measures. The study will also help in environmental administration efforts such as ascertaining the amount of CO2 absorbed or released in every region as also evaluate the carbon balance in global forests.

The project is a joint effort by Japan’s Ministry of Environment, the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Over the last century, expansion of industrial activity has resulted in the rise of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which leads to an increase in atmospheric temperature. Methane, nitrous oxide and halocarbons are also greenhouse gases but Co2 and methane account for 81 per cent of the total greenhouse effect caused the world over.

In order for every nation on the globe to adopt measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to set rational goals based on accurate predictions of climate change and its impact. It is also important that emission levels per country are specifically determined so that reduction measures can accordingly be strategised.