Portrait of a scientist: Andreas Stohl
One would think that being nominated as one of Reuters’ Highly Cited Researchers is a great honour for all scientists. But for some, the science is more important than the reputation.
Methane from sea to air?
In recent years, researchers have observed that the amount of methane in the atmosphere increases. Methane is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. A change in the natural methane emissions may cause the temperature to rise both higher and faster than previously thought.
Computers from rich countries pollute the poor
In a new study funded by The Research Council of Norway through FRIPRO, researchers from NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research, and the universities in Oslo, Toronto and Lancaster found that nearly a quarter of the e-waste from OECD countries floods into just seven developing countries — with major potential health risks for the people who live there.
The cube is ready for take off
Black and shiny with white «eyes», NILU’s latest creation stands on the work bench, waiting to be used. Finally “the cube” with its six sensors for infrared radiation is ready to hover through the clouds.
Summer holiday = litter season?
The summer holidays are here, and many of us will be enjoying the sunny side of life at the seaside. However, not only clean beaches and clear water awaits us. There is also cigarette stubs, fishing gear, the popular Norwegian disposable barbecues, bottles, cans and plastic litter.
Traces of skin lotion found in cod
That nice, silky smooth feeling you get when you rub yourself with lotion after the shower comes from chemicals called siloxanes. Scientists find these same substances in hair shampoo, cleaning products, car wax – and cod.
Methane measurement cruise
The week before Easter NILU scientists Adam Durant and Ove Hermansen are on board the research vessel “RV Helmer Hanssen” of UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, as part of the MOCA project. The purpose of the trip is to install and test for measuring methane in the atmosphere over the Arctic Ocean, in preparation for a summer campaign to determine if gas emissions from methane hydrates at the ocean floor are reaching the atmosphere. Follow the vessel here.
The worlds’ health is declining due to air pollution
Globally 7 million people died attributable to the joint effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution in 2012, according to WHO. NILU’s air quality management programmes in urban areas around the world seek solutions aimed at reducing the health burden of people.
About moving Troll in Antarctica
January 2014, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica: Three guys in blue anoraks peer toward the polar sun. A few meters above the ground hangs a container, shaking in a seemingly thin line on the way over to the truck bed that will carry it two kilometers away and 278 meters up. The time has come to move the Troll Observatory.
Greenhouse gas concentrations in atmosphere reach new record
Greenhouse gas concentrations in atmosphere reach new record according to WMO. It confirms the trends we see through our measurements at Svalbard, says Cathrine Lund Myhre (NILU).
MOCA – against climate warming
”MOCA- Methane Emissions from the Arctic OCean to the Atmosphere: Present and Future Climate Effects” is a new project at NILU.
Exchange of young professionals for Clean Air partnership
NILU cooperates with Fredskorpset (FK) to strengthen air quality management in Bangladesh through exchange of young professionals.
Sources of Air Pollution in Murmansk County, Russia
According to recent media reports (example) Norway is a major source of pollution within the Murmansk county in N-W Russia. It is claimed that 45% of the total pollution in the area is originating from abroad, with Norway as an important contributor. NILU – Norwegian Institute for Air Research has worked extensively in this area, and has critical scientific objections to this assertion. NILU’s work shows that it is actually sulfur dioxide (SO2) and heavy metals that are causing pollution in the border area, not nitrogen dioxide (NOX).
Norway’s pioneer laboratory
GLP is a quality system to ensure the uniformity, consistency, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and integrity of experimental studies. NILU’s Health Effects Group has implemented GLP as standard quality system to perform, develop and validate methods for in vitro toxicity testing of compounds such as chemicals, aerosols and nanomaterials.
NILU knowledge to Poland
NILU has started two projects in cooperation with the Polish Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection. The projects give NILU the opportunity to disseminate experiences on air quality measurement and assessment to Poland to contribute to the improvement of air quality in Europe.
Cleaner air in China
In the last 20 years, NILU has been actively involved in research and cooperation projects in China. Current activities include the coordination of two projects to support SO2 emission trading in the Shanxi province and to establish an up-to-date air quality (AQ) information system for the Hubei province. Both initiatives are funded by EuropeAid, EU – China Environmental Governance Programme (EGP).
New air for museums
Euronews, a European, multilingual news television channel, have made a TV presentation about the MEMORI project which is coordinated by NILU.
NILUs mercury team top cited authors in Atmospheric Environment
Dr. Elisabeth Pacyna, Prof. Jozef Pacyna and dr. Kyrre Sundseth receive award for having an article among the “Top-50 most cited articles” published in Atmospheric Environment (2010-2011).
Climate research goes to India
Two new projects were accepted in 2012 by the Research Council of Norway under a collaboration program with India on climate research.
Agreement on mercury finally here
Successful interaction between science and policy making.
TRANSPHORM – Improving our knowledge on transport pollution and health
European air quality and health professionals cooperate with authorities and users for better air quality in Europe.
CITI-SENSE – citizens’ empowerment through novel use of sensor technologies and mobile applications
CITI-SENSE is a new EU project under the lead of NILU, with the aim to empower citizens to contribute and participate in environmental governance. The project is also new in the combination of scientific methods, technology development and active empowerment of citizens.
Kyrre Sundseth from NILU defended his Ph.D. in Gdansk
Kyrre Sundseth from NILU defended his Ph.D. dissertation publically at the Chemistry Department of the Gdansk University of Technology on Friday, 5 October. He presented his thesis on “A novel combination of methods developed for decision support on abatement of mercury in Europe”. Jozef Pacyna at NILU har been his supervisor.
From Climate Change to Energy Efficiency for the Cultural Heritage
Results from more than 30 cultural heritage projects were presented at the 2nd European Workshop on cultural Heritage Preservation (EWCHP) which took place at Kjeller last week. A study from England showed that a rise in the temperature due to climate change may contribute to the release of organic acids in the museums in a more serious amount than today.