Human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are primarily responsible for the rapid climate change we are seeing on Earth today – as evidenced by satellite, atmospheric and ground-based observations.

So that our UK leaders can effectively tackle climate change and meet the legislative net zero target, we must accurately measure how and where we are achieving GHG emissions reductions and whether the climate is responding.

Changes as a result of policy interventions can be observed on a relatively short time scale (years), while the actual effect of such changes on the climate system will only be observable over longer timescales (decades).

Attributing the sources of GHG emissions and supporting emissions monitoring and reduction will be important on the path to reaching net zero by 2050. Measurement can assist by quantifying and analysing the GHGs and pollutants that are present in the Earth’s atmosphere. Measurements related to natural sinks of GHGs (which account for the removal of around half of human-induced carbon emissions) will also be important when assessing progress on climate action.

International standards have been developed to define reference methods for emissions measurement as global agreements, regional directives and national policies require accurate emission data to deliver impactful reduction activities.