CARDS

Carbon Dashboard Linking Satellite and In-Situ Data for Key Regions

Project information

Project	Carbon Dashboard Linking Satellite and In-Situ Data for Key Regions (CARDS)
Duration	1.8.2025 – 31.7.2027
Partners	Coordinator: Finnish Meteorological Institute Partners: Häme University of Applied Sciences, King’s College London (KCL), Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB)
Funders	European Space Agency (ESA)
Budget	Total budget: 600 000 €, of which HAMK’s share is 185 000 €

We are establishing a digital observatory in the international CARDS project to enable near real-time monitoring of greenhouse gases in the Arctic and Amazon regions.

As climate change progresses, it is essential to continually deepen our understanding of its effects on Earth’s processes. Accurate measurements that account for uncertainties are crucial for climate modelling and for verifying model results. These measurements provide evidence of change that policymakers need to make informed climate decisions. To enhance understanding and advance research, the visualization of measurements, data, and processes requires further development.

During the two-year CARDS project, we are developing tools for measuring, interpreting, and visualizing greenhouse gas concentrations based on satellite data. The project will establish an open observatory service through which anyone can track greenhouse gas concentrations and other carbon-cycle-related environmental variables in near real time. The chosen focus areas are the Arctic and the Amazon region in Brazil, where the carbon cycle is highly sensitive to climate change and may shift significantly as a result. The service will combine data collected from both satellite and ground measurements to provide a comprehensive overview.

The project is coordinated by the Finnish Meteorological Institute (Research Professor Hannakaisa Lindqvist), with Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), King’s College London (KCL), and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) as partners. The Finnish Meteorological Institute and HAMK have long collaborated, for example in developing the Field Observatory that visualizes the climate impacts of agriculture. The researchers from King’s College London participating in the project have particular expertise in studying the climate impacts of wildfires. The Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy is a Belgian research institute whose main tasks include research and the provision of public services in the field of space aeronomy.

HAMK is responsible for implementing the observatory’s digital interface and background services. The background services will aggregate satellite and ground measurement data from various sources into a public data repository. The observatory will function as a map-based tool for examining and comparing information as well as conducting trend analyses. The work builds on HAMK’s previous experience with observatories and data visualization.

Target group

The observatory is primarily aimed at researchers and scientific stakeholders. However, like the Field Observatory, the service will be public and open to everyone. Another goal is to enable the download of high-quality data through the service for further scientific use.

Operating area

The observatory will present sites located in the Arctic and the Amazon regions. The browser-based observatory service can be accessed and used worldwide.

Objectives

Provide an open online service for greenhouse gas monitoring
Combine satellite and ground measurements into a unified overall picture
Improve understanding of the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and Amazon regions
Lay the groundwork for new research and support decision-making