Visualizing Emissions: A New Way to Tackle Climate Change

On September 17, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering and the Climate Institute hosted an engaging talk by Dr. Magnus Gålfalk, whose work bridges the gap between astronomy and climate science. Dr. Gålfalk, a professor and researcher, captivated the audience with his presentation on innovative optical methods for detecting greenhouse gas emissions—a topic that is increasingly critical as the world seeks better ways to monitor and mitigate climate change. 
 
Dr. Gålfalk’s talk began with a reflection that the intersection between astronomy and climate change has been put in the spotlight since the development of the hyperspectral camera for use on Earth. Magnus Gålfalk, a researcher from Linköping University in Sweden, journeyed from studying distant starts to detecting greenhouse gases due to a chance encounter over a decade ago that propelled him to redirect his astronomical expertise towards addressing one of Earth's most pressing challenges—climate change. He found that the same camera that we use to look at far away planets in other galaxies can also be used to visualize greenhouse gas emissions. 

A highlight of the presentation was how Dr. Gålfalk used the camera’s infrared spectrum of light – which is invisible to the naked eye – to detect greenhouse gases and make them visible on the camera’s screen. Infared light is used to see temperature differences, as seen in technology like heat vision goggles. He explained how these cameras, traditionally used to analyze the chemical compositions of distant celestial bodies, are now repurposed to track emissions from ground-based sources and airborne measurements. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize how industries and governments detect leaks and reduce emissions. 

Left to Right: Thermal heat vision sensor pointed at power lines, Hyperspectral camera looking at a pipe emitting CO2,
 
This technology has been used to detect emission leaks from urban infrastructure which can be used to reduce emissions going into the atmosphere if repaired. It also provides a more comprehensive analysis of all the emissions in an area – since you can see them -  rather than detecting emissions in a specific spot where emissions are thought to be located. 

Drone Technology for Greenhouse Gas Emission Detection 

Another cutting-edge technology of Gålfalk’s work involves the use of drones equipped with laser gas analyzers and other sophisticated instruments. Emissions are often difficult to detect using land-based equipment because cameras need clear skies to distinguish emissions from the background as well as a flat ground to stand on. To address this, the drone with laser gas analyzers was developed to detect emissions in hard-to-reach areas. 
 
The drone technology uses weight and lasers, rather than light spectrum and temperature, to detect various gases. It calibrates its measurements using an anemometer, which gauges the speed and direction of the wind. Although still in its early stages, this technology aims to simplify the detection of gases. From the drones’ readings, Galfalk can create 3D maps of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. These maps provide a clear visualization of how gases are distributed and offer a precise way to calculate emissions from specific sources, such as wastewater treatment plants.  An audience member posed a question during the Q & A which revealed that the goal for this technology is for company employees to more easily detect emission sources and potential leaks within their facilities. 

The event was well attended by students from various faculties, as well as faculty members and fellow researchers. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how innovative measuring methods could transform greenhouse gas monitoring in an accessible and easily understandable way, even for those without a background in astronomy. Gafalk’s research and insights demonstrate the importance of using the tools and resources from a diversity of different disciplines to tackle the climate change crisis. Cross-disciplinary collaborations of this type, that seek to repurpose technologies from other fields to address the pressing challenges of climate change offer a new hope for effective climate action. 

Future talks hosted by the Waterloo Climate Institute include How to be a Climate Optimist – A talk by Chris Turner.  A talk focusing on his experiences with the emergence of a greener, more sustainable future all over the globe.