Blueprint Unveiled for Meteorology-Atmospheric Program

Collaboration among Rutgers, NASA and others outlines integrated approach to greenhouse gas and wind observations

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A study published by the W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies, in collaboration with Rutgers University, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology, presents a roadmap for harnessing global-scale trace gas and atmospheric wind observations to improve the monitoring, attribution and mitigation of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.

Why it matters

The rapidly increasing volume of trace gas observations from satellites, aircraft and surface-based sensors presents an opportunity to improve air quality assessments and surface temperature outlooks, but the true value of these observations depends on the ability to interpret them accurately. Improved understanding of the vertical movement of air in the atmosphere is essential for translating trace gas measurements into actionable insights.

The details

The study emerged from a five-day workshop held in early October 2024, titled "Forging Community Consensus for an Integrated GHG and Winds Program." The effort convened leading experts in surface-air exchange science, meteorology, space-based remote sensing and atmospheric modeling, reflecting broad engagement across academia, federal laboratories and research organizations. The report proposes an integrated greenhouse gas and winds program to help bridge a critical gap between atmospheric measurements, transport modeling and actionable information on emissions and removals.

  • The study was published on February 19, 2026.
  • The five-day workshop was held in early October 2024.

The players

W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies

A research institute that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and advances integrated, space-based approaches to greenhouse gas monitoring.

Rutgers University

A public research university that collaborated on the study.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

A federally funded research and development center that collaborated on the study.

California Institute of Technology

A private research university that collaborated on the study.

Mary Whelan

An associate professor with the Rutgers Department of Environmental Sciences and one of three lead authors of the study.

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What they’re saying

“The complexity of air movement and atmospheric composition have fostered two relatively separate research communities. We can be more effective by bringing them together in a thoughtful way.”

— Mary Whelan, Associate Professor, Rutgers Department of Environmental Sciences

“Bringing together 29 participants from four countries representing 20 organizations, the study exemplifies the mission of the Keck Institute to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing integrated, space-based approaches to greenhouse gas monitoring.”

— Harriet Brettle, Executive Director, W. M. Keck Institute for Space Studies

“The integrated greenhouse gas and wind program targeting multiscale carbon management needs would be timely as NASA begins the process for the next Decadal Survey.”

— Nick Parazoo, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

“I think one of the interesting things that emerged from the workshop was the idea of a coordinated research program that integrates data across both existing and potential future missions. I am hopeful that the next decadal will be less focused on promoting individual missions and rather addressing key questions.”

— Paul Wennberg, California Institute of Technology

What’s next

The report lays the groundwork for future mission concepts, shared community platforms and policy-relevant tools that can support climate action worldwide. As global demand increases for high-fidelity emissions data, the blueprint positions the research community to help bridge a critical gap between atmospheric measurements, transport modeling and actionable information on emissions and removals.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort brings together experts from various fields to develop an integrated approach to greenhouse gas and wind observations, which can significantly improve our understanding of atmospheric composition and support effective climate mitigation strategies through informed decision-making.