In this conversation, Dr. Sean Crowell and Dr. David Crisp delve into the intricate interactions of light with matter, focusing on the principles of absorption, transmission, and reflection of photons. They explore the challenges of measuring greenhouse gases, the importance of accuracy and precision in remote sensing instruments, and the role of satellites in monitoring emissions. The discussion also highlights the differences between CO2 and methane, their sources, and their atmospheric lifetimes, while emphasizing the need for improved measurement systems to inform climate policy effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Light Interaction: Absorption, Transmission, and Reflection

08:18 Modeling Planetary Atmospheres and Greenhouse Effects

14:12 Measuring Accuracy and Standards in Spectrometry

22:27 Signal to Noise Ratio: Precision in Measurements

26:31 Remote Sensing Retrieval Algorithms and CO2 Measurement

34:06 Applications of Greenhouse Gas Measurements

41:41 Measuring Emissions: The Challenge of Cities

45:03 The Evolution of Emission Mapping Instruments

48:26 Commercial vs. Public Sector in Emission Monitoring

52:39 The Need for Precision in Emission Measurements

58:41 Understanding CO2 and Methane: Differences and Implications

01:04:50 Challenges in Remote Sensing: Optical Path and Scattering

01:19:25 The Future of Emission Monitoring: Lessons Learned and Next Steps

01:21:38 Understanding Photons and Radiation

01:21:47 The Importance of Subscribing and Supporting the Podcast