Greenhouse and trace gases

CarbonWatch NZ is an internationally-recognised research programme that will enable New Zealand to make the right decisions for a zero carbon future.

Detecting and quantifying methane emissions by satellite

The Baring Head station, which overlooks Cook Strait, has been operating since 1972 and the data collected there makes significant contributions to our global understanding of greenhouse gases.

NIWA's Atmospheric Research Station at Lauder in Central Otago specialises in measuring CFCs, ozone, UV levels and greenhouse gases and has a wide range of world-class instruments and research scientists.

NIWA participates in the Total Carbon Column Observing Network, a ground-based observing network dedicated to making precise and accurate measurements of greenhouse gas concentrations in different parts of the atmosphere.

Under certain conditions, methane emissions from intensive dairy feedlots may be underestimated in national inventories. 

Earth Sciences New Zealand-led analysis in the WMO’s annual report on global greenhouse gases has revealed a shift in the source of methane emissions.

Scientists are measuring a huge unknown in climate science: how much heat Antarctica emits into space.

New methane seeps are being discovered at an astonishing rate in Antarctic waters.

Accurately measuring methane emissions, verifying sources and validating efforts to reduce them.

A NIWA-led study has found New Zealand’s native forests are absorbing more carbon dioxide (CO2) than previously thought.

NIWA researchers are testing new methods for quantifying methane emissions from agriculture and waste.