U.S. Administration Invests $2.1 Million to Measure Surface Ocean Carbon

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a significant investment of $2.1 million to enhance the measurement and monitoring of surface ocean carbon dioxide (CO2) through the Investing in America agenda.

This funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to expand the global network of sensors that track CO2 levels in the ocean and atmosphere, improving the understanding and forecasting of climate and environmental changes.

Key Highlights

• Funding Allocation: $2.1 million awarded to the Department of Commerce and NOAA.
• Objective: Support surface ocean and atmospheric carbon observations and monitoring.
• Impact: Expand global sensor network, improve carbon emissions tracking, and enhance climate change forecasting.

Benefits of the Investment

Enhanced Carbon Tracking

• Deployment of new CO2 sensors in climate-critical regions.
• Improved accuracy of data in undersampled areas.
• Contribution to the Surface Ocean CO2 Reference Observing Network (SOCONET).

Climate Change Mitigation

• Better understanding of the global carbon cycle.
• Support for international climate negotiations and policy-making.
• Verification of U.S. commitments to global climate agreements.

Ocean Health Monitoring

• Assessment of the impact of CO2 on marine ecosystems.
• Data on ocean acidification and its effects on ocean health.
• Support for ecosystem and fisheries management.

Innovative Partnerships

Private Sector Involvement

• Collaboration with commercial companies, such as cruise ship operators, to install real-time CO2 monitoring displays.
• Development of educational materials for passengers on carbon levels and environmental impact.

Advanced Technologies

• Installation of new-generation carbon sensors on cargo vessels, passenger cruise lines, research vessels, and autonomous surface vehicles like the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown and Saildrone.
• Modernization of the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) data submission tools.

Statements from Key Officials

Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

• Emphasized the historic nature of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its role in leading global climate change efforts.
• Highlighted the creation of innovative partnerships to improve carbon emissions tracking.

Rick Spinrad, NOAA Administrator

• Expressed pride in NOAA’s leadership in global carbon monitoring.
• Stressed the importance of addressing information needs to understand the world’s climate state.

Conclusion

The Biden-Harris Administration's investment in measuring surface ocean carbon represents a crucial step in combating climate change.

By expanding the global network of CO2 sensors and improving the accuracy of climate data, this initiative will enhance the understanding of the carbon cycle, support international climate agreements, and contribute to the health of marine ecosystems.

This commitment underscores the administration's dedication to reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

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