When it comes to tackling climate change, tracking carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is crucial. Recently, a team of researchers pushed back against challenges posed by the Trump administration and delivered important data on CO2 emissions through their latest study.
Their findings, showcased in the journal Nature Scientific Data, reveal the fourth version of Vulcan, a detailed dataset mapping every source of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in the U.S. This new release includes a visual map that highlights the largest emission sources in 2022.
Kevin Gurney, a professor at Northern Arizona University and the study’s lead author, insists that “U.S. taxpayers have a right to this data.” His call for transparency is particularly relevant as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers ending its greenhouse gas reporting program, making data like Vulcan’s even more vital.
Over the last 20 years, Gurney and his team have developed detailed maps of CO2 emissions in the U.S. through the Vulcan project. Their research not only aids in understanding North America’s carbon budget but also helps pinpoint carbon sources and sinks.
The new map reveals that areas with the highest emissions (marked in red) align closely with densely populated regions, such as the East Coast and cities like Dallas, Texas. Notably, emissions are significantly higher in the eastern half of the country, where the majority of Americans live.
Despite providing high-resolution data, the Vulcan project generates a massive amount of information that requires advanced computing. Co-author Pawlok Dass noted that they capture CO2 emissions with remarkable precision, down to city blocks and individual factories.
However, federal support for emissions reporting is facing hurdles. The EPA recently proposed to eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, claiming it would save businesses up to $2.4 billion while maintaining compliance with the Clean Air Act. This program currently mandates that around 13,000 facilities, responsible for 85% to 90% of the U.S.’s greenhouse gas emissions, report their emissions to the EPA.
This change has sparked a mixed reaction. While some lawmakers support the proposal, others fear it could create a significant gap in emissions data. If this happens, the Vulcan project could serve as an essential resource, provided it continues to receive funding.
Gurney is determined to keep producing crucial data, despite potential cuts to science funding. “My team will continue to share data key to climate change and environmental quality,” he stated.
Understanding emissions is vital. Research like Vulcan’s empowers not only policymakers but also the public to hold industries accountable. If we want to combat climate change effectively, transparency and accurate data are a must.
For more on this topic, you can read this article detailing the EPA’s proposal.
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Carbon Emissions,EPA,Global warming
