TNO develops space-based atmospheric monitoring solutions that provide policymakers and industry stakeholders with actionable information for emission reductions. Satellite data have a high added value because they provide global, independent measurements at frequent intervals (typically daily). Moreover, they provide data in areas where in situ measurements are not available. We do this for all relevant greenhouse gases (e.g. CO2 and CH4) and air pollution species (e.g. NO2, aerosols). TNO takes a multi-level approach to atmospheric monitoring by combining:
Satellite data that provides large spatial coverage (e.g. TROPOMI, MODIS, IASI)
The LOTOS EUROS atmospheric transport and chemistry model, which predicts pollution ahead of time in locations where data is not available
In situ measurements used for emission inventories of known pollution sources.
We do this on the basis of more than 40 years of experience in advising the Dutch government and the European Commission (such as the ECCO2 Monitoring Task Force and EU standardisation work on particulate matter).