Description

There is no doubt that the climate has become warmer in recent decades. Moreover, it is now "very likely" (IPCC) that this warming is mainly caused by human activity. The main cause is the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration, which amplifies the natural greenhouse effect.
The link between CO2 emissions (mainly from burning fossil fuels) and the rise in atmospheric concentration is determined by the global carbon cycle: the continuous back and forth flow of CO2 between atmosphere, land plants, and ocean water. This system is characterised by large annual fluxes, and - today - a human-induced, relatively modest imbalance. Currently, sea and land biosphere together absorb about half of all emitted fossil fuel CO2. But will this continue, in a changing climate and with ever-increasing CO2 concentrations?
Understanding and quantifying that uptake is crucial for calculating the possible temperature rise over the next century. Long-term, accurately calibrated atmospheric measurements of CO2 and various tracers, as carried out at the Lutjewad atmospheric monitoring station near Groningen's Wadden coast, provide important information.

Speaker(s)

Prof. Dr. H.A.J. (Harro) Meijer

Location

Gorechthuis, Hortuslaan1, 9751 BE in Haren

Organiser

Region North

Name and contact details for information

Secretary GIV Ton Wester

twester@ziggo.nl

Staff site RUG, Mr Meijer

Apply via

Secretary GIV Ton Wester Preferably by e-mail

twester@ziggo.nl