SOGE-A: System for observation of halogenated greenhouse gases in Europe and Asia

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0522

Key words (English)

Greenhouse gases; Montreal protocol; Kyoto protocol; emissions

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 505419

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.6.3.9

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
Eidg. Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt EMPA
Luftfremdstoffe/Umwelttechnik

Abstract (English)

SOGE-A will provide a European contribution to extension of an international observation system for greenhouse gases by setting up a Chinese measurement system. The project builds upon SaGE, an existing integrated system for observation of halogenated greenhouse gases in Europe, funded through the FP5, and national contributions. CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs are included in the Montreal and the Kyoto protocols, as they contribute to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer as well as global warming.
The setting-up of a measurement system in China includes installing an instrument, linking the Chinese station to SaGE, and estimation of emissions by combining measurements with meteorological models. The project also focuses on teaching and dissemination of results to end-users. China still (legally) emits significant amounts of CFCs. China's importance as a source of HCFC and HFC is increasing rapidly.
SOGE-A will be linked to the SaGE network that has been developed between four stations in Europe with full intercalibration. SaGE is collaborating with the international network of Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE), which is funded partly by NASA in the US and partly by the governments of Australia, United Kingdom and Japan.
AGAGE collaborates with the network of National Ocean and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) in the US NASA and NOAA, and also the Global Atmosphere Watch (GA W) program, support the establishment of observations in China, due to significant emissions and missing observations in the region. Partners in the consortium are in the forefront on the development of instrumentation for observations of halogenated greenhouse gases and they have developed the instrumentation currently used. Extension of the international observational system will thus imply a transfer of technologies and competencies, and an educational programme will be a part of the project. The coordinating institute has long time experience in project collaboration with China.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0522