The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement and Modelling Advancement (GEMMA) programme, was today launched by a National Physical Laboratory (NPL) led research consortium, involving the University of Bristol. Other collaborators include the Met Office; National Centre for Earth Observation; and National Centre for Atmospheric Science. The ultimate aim of the project is to produce a national emissions measurement dashboard for the UK, with the different groups collaborating to create a 'single integreated network to monitor all sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs).'

Meeting national GHG reduction targets is difficult challenge. Whilst known and recognised sources and sinks are currently considered within the UK's measurement of net emissions, there is a host of unidentified sources contributing to atmospheric pollution undetected. It is crucial to identify these in order to mitigate and and reduce their impact. According to the NPL, GEMMA will 'cement a “top-down” systems approach to further complement the detail of traditional “bottom-up” inventories and provide the best available UK net emissions information.'

The team is tasked with researching, developing and demonstrating a system which will assess fluctuations in GHG levels on a month-by-month basis. This will be measured over the next two years. This, coupled with investment into new capability, should provide 'powerful and timely insight into the UK's net zero transition.'

Matt Rigby, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Bristol, said: “To ensure our efforts to tackle climate change are targeted and effective, it’s vital that we produce the most accurate possible estimates of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. The GEMMA programme will build our capacity to measure greenhouse gases in the UK and use these observations to track our progress toward net-zero.”