Satellite‐based estimates of reduced CO and CO2 emissions due to traffic restrictions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Helen M Worden; Yafang Cheng; Gabriele Pfister; Gregory R Carmichael; Qiang Zhang; David G Streets; Merritt Deeter; David P Edwards; John C Gille; John R Worden

doi:10.1029/2012GL052395

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Satellite‐based estimates of reduced CO and CO2 emissions due to traffic restrictions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Journal article

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Satellite‐based estimates of reduced CO and CO2 emissions due to traffic restrictions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Helen M Worden, Yafang Cheng, Gabriele Pfister, Gregory R Carmichael, Qiang Zhang, David G Streets, Merritt Deeter, David P Edwards, John C Gille and John R Worden

Geophysical research letters, Vol.39(14), L14802

07/28/2012

DOI: 10.1029/2012GL052395

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Abstract

During the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese government made a significant effort to improve air quality in Beijing, including restrictions on traffic. Here we estimate the reductions in carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions resulting from the control measures on Beijing transportation. Using MOPITT (Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere) multispectral satellite observations of near‐surface CO along with WRF‐Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry) simulations for Beijing during August, 2007 and 2008, we estimate changes in CO due to meteorology and transportation sector emissions. Applying a reported CO/CO2 emission ratio for fossil fuels, we find the corresponding reduction in CO2, 60 ± 36 Gg[CO2]/day. As compared to emission scenarios being considered for the IPCC AR5 (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 5th Assessment Report), this result suggests that urban traffic controls on the Beijing Olympics scale could play a significant role in meeting target reductions for global CO2 emissions. Key Points Significant reduction in CO2 emissions from Beijing Olympics traffic controls Use of satellite observations with regional modeling for source attribution Urban traffic restrictions could help attain global CO2 reduction targets

Beijing Olympics

CO2 emissions

MOPITT CO

Details

Title: Subtitle: Satellite‐based estimates of reduced CO and CO2 emissions due to traffic restrictions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Creators: Helen M Worden
Yafang Cheng
Gabriele Pfister
Gregory R Carmichael
Qiang Zhang
David G Streets
Merritt Deeter
David P Edwards
John C Gille
John R Worden
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Geophysical research letters, Vol.39(14), L14802
DOI: 10.1029/2012GL052395
ISSN: 0094-8276
eISSN: 1944-8007
Number of pages: 6
Language: English
Date published: 07/28/2012
Academic Unit: Nursing; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering
Record Identifier: 9984004100102771

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