Author(s): Joao Teixeira, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (First Author, Presenting Author) Robert Wilson, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Heidar Thrastarson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
For the first time, scientists have directly and precisely measured how increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reduces Earth's ability to emit infrared radiation into space, a key driver of global warming. Using data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the Aqua spacecraft, the authors developed a method to isolate the impact of CO2 on outgoing radiation. The results, which align closely with theoretical predictions, provide robust experimental confirmation of this core mechanism underlying climate change.
