50 years measuring the cleanest air
2 days ago
- #climate monitoring
- #atmospheric science
- #air pollution
- Australia celebrates 50 years of monitoring clean air at Kennaook / Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station in Tasmania.
- The station measures atmospheric composition, including greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances.
- Data supports global climate research, tracking human-induced changes and effectiveness of pollution reduction efforts.
- Located to capture 'baseline air' from the Southern Ocean, minimizing human influence.
- Operated by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, with measurements starting in 1976.
- Serves as a key global station in the WMO's Global Atmospheric Watch programme.
- Historical data shows increases in CO₂ but decreases in pollutants like black carbon and CFCs.
- Informs international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and Australia's State of the Climate report.