As the Mauna Loa Observatory faces an uncertain future, scientists are left wondering what will happen to a global climate research staple that has been monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since 1958.
The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, a pioneering climate research station, is facing an uncertain future due to the US Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cost-cutting plans. The observatory, which has been monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since ‘1958’ , is crucial for understanding Earth’s greenhouse gases and their impact on climate change.
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, 'Mauna Loa Observatory' is a premier atmospheric research facility.
Established in 1957, it has been continuously monitoring greenhouse gases and other climate indicators since its inception.
The observatory sits at an elevation of 11,135 feet (3,396 meters) above sea level, allowing researchers to collect data without human-induced interference.
Mauna Loa's CO2 measurements are widely regarded as the most accurate global dataset, providing crucial insights into Earth's atmospheric health.
Charles David Keeling, a scientist who began monitoring CO2 levels at Mauna Loa in ‘1958’ , played a pivotal role in shaping modern climate science. His groundbreaking work revealed natural fluctuations in atmospheric CO2 levels and showed a relentless rise in CO2 concentrations over time, known as the Keeling Curve. This data has been instrumental in understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.
Charles David Keeling was an American geochemist who made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere.
In 1958, he began measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) at Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, revealing a steady increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.
His data showed that CO2 concentrations were rising by about 1 part per million annually.
Keeling's work provided crucial evidence for climate change and has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the issue.
Located at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level, Mauna Loa is an oceanic environment far from sources of carbon dioxide, such as fossil-fuel burning cars and forests. The observatory’s unique location allows for accurate measurements of greenhouse gases, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide. These data are essential for tracking trends in atmospheric CO2 emissions over time.
Losing Mauna Loa would mean losing a critical piece of data from a region without alternative sources. Scientists rely on long-term datasets to understand how Earth’s systems respond to rising CO2 emissions. The observatory’s closure would also limit the accuracy and precision of climate research, as satellite-based monitoring has its own limitations.
Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, is the largest active volcano on Earth.
With a height of over 4,170 meters (13,678 ft) above sea level, it is also the tallest mountain globally.
Measured from its base on the ocean floor, Mauna Loa rises over 9,700 meters (31,800 ft).
It has erupted 33 times since 1843 and is considered highly active due to its frequent eruptions.
The US makes significant contributions to global networks tracking greenhouse gases. The loss of Mauna Loa would be a disproportionate impact compared to other observatories. Tracking CO2 and its influence on climate is crucial for preparing for more extreme weather events and understanding the consequences of climate change.
As the lease for the Hilo offices expires in August, it remains unclear what will happen if DOGE cancels the lease. The potential loss of Mauna Loa Observatory would be a significant blow to global climate research, highlighting the need for continued investment and support for scientific endeavors that underpin our understanding of the environment.
