Atmosphere

World class research contributing to our understanding of greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and urban air pollution.

  • Scientists say methane emitted by humans ‘vastly underestimated’

    Media release
    NIWA researchers have helped unlock information trapped in ancient air samples from Greenland and Antarctica that shows the amount of methane humans are emitting into the atmosphere from fossil fuels has been vastly underestimated.
  • Unprecedented carbon monoxide readings measured in Central Otago

    Media release
    Researchers at NIWA’s Lauder atmospheric research station in Central Otago have measured prolonged carbon monoxide concentrations well above normal levels.
  • Fiordland air samples revealing carbon secrets

    Media release
    Air samples from the native Fiordland forest are being collected by researchers as one of the first steps in an ambitious new NIWA-led project to reassess New Zealand’s carbon budget.
  • NIWA UV research reinforces success of Montreal Protocol

    Media release
    On the eve of the 30th anniversary since the Montreal Protocol came into force, new research by NIWA scientists reinforces its reputation as the world’s most successful environmental treaty.
  • Daily CO2 measurements from NIWA’s atmospheric monitoring station at Baring Head

    Service
    Daily CO2 measurements from NIWA’s atmospheric monitoring station at Baring Head.
  • NIWA reveals Arrowtown air quality standards breached every time temperature plummets

    Media release
    The first month of data from NIWA’s air quality monitoring project in Arrowtown reveals that air quality has already breached the national standard eight times this winter, including six times in the week from 19 to 26 June – in fact every time the air temperature dropped below freezing.
  • Our changing oceans

    Feature story
    The on-going rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) that is fuelling climate change is also driving significant changes in the waters off our coasts.
  • A bird's-eye view of our carbon balance

    Feature story
    Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher is looking to turn the internationally accepted science of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions upside down – and the rest of the world is watching closely.
  • Students, scientists, citizens study Arrowtown’s ailing air

    Media release
    Arrowtown may be known for its picturesque autumn scenery, but in winter this tiny Central Otago town has a problem.
  • Environment report a clear picture of change: NIWA

    Media release
    The latest state of the environment report released today provides New Zealanders with clear evidence that our climate, freshwater and marine systems are changing, says NIWA.
  • World Earth Day: Air quality and its effects on respiratory health

    Media release
    A newly formed partnership between Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and NIWA aims to provide the latest air quality research to over 700,000 people living with respiratory conditions in New Zealand.
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    Project updates - CarbonWatch NZ

    Project updates