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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
11:19
Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
Systematic long-term observations of the global carbon cycle
R J Scholes1, P M S Monteiro, C L Sabine
1CSIR Natural Resources and Environment, PO Box 395, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. bscholes@csir.co.za
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 5, 2009
Summary
Global change, encompassing environmental and social crises, lacks sufficient Earth observation data. A coordinated, long-term funding approach for systematic Earth observations is crucial for navigating planetary challenges.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Global Change Research
Background:
- Global change presents an existential threat, comparable to financial crises.
- Current understanding of global change relies on uncoordinated, serendipitous efforts.
- Essential data on biogeochemical cycles, climate, and biotic systems are insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a comprehensive and systematic approach to Earth observations.
- To highlight the necessity of a globally coordinated, long-term funding mechanism for Earth observation.
- To demonstrate the critical need for improved data to navigate global change.
Main Methods:
- The study uses carbon cycle observations as a compelling case example.
- The argument is developed by analyzing the current state of Earth observation data.
- The paper extrapolates findings from the carbon cycle to other Earth system components.
Main Results:
- Current Earth observation efforts are insufficient and uncoordinated.
- Reliable, systematic data is lacking for critical global change issues.
- The carbon cycle serves as a clear example of data deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Navigating the 'safe passages' of global change requires systematic Earth observations.
- A globally coordinated, long-term funding mechanism is essential for sustained observation.
- The findings are applicable to various Earth system observations beyond the carbon cycle.
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