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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/V00963X/1

COVID-19: Rapid detection of the impact of COVID-19 on UK greenhouse gas emissions

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor M Rigby, University of Bristol, Chemistry
Co-Investigator:
Professor SJ O'Doherty, University of Bristol, Chemistry
Science Area:
None
Overall Classification:
Unknown
ENRIs:
None
Science Topics:
None
Abstract:
The nationwide restrictions on social interaction brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak have the potential to dramatically change the UK's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, given the lack of precedent, it is difficult to predict the sign, magnitude, or spatial and temporal change that may occur. Atmospheric GHG observations are sensitive to emissions changes over very short timescales (hours to days), and therefore "top-down" (atmospheric data-based) inference of GHG emissions has the potential to provide rapid updates to climate researchers, the public and stakeholders (e.g. BEIS and the UK's GHG inventory compilers). There have already been reports of reductions in atmospheric concentrations of GHGs and air pollutants in the media from across the world. However, these reports have sometimes lacked scientific rigour, ignoring the critical influence of meteorology and seasonality. Here, we aim to use data from the UK's unique GHG measurement network (the UK DECC network) and adapt our atmospheric modelling and statistical inference frameworks to provide robust information on any rapid changes in UK GHG emissions that occur during the period of COVID-19-related restrictions. Conversely, the change in anthropogenic activity provides an unprecedented opportunity to test top-down (atmospheric data-based) emissions inference frameworks, such as those used to report UK GHG emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Period of Award:
8 Jun 2020 - 7 Dec 2021
Value:
£79,871
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/V00963X/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
UKRI
Grant Status:
Closed

This grant award has a total value of £79,871  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDA - InvestigatorsDA - Estate CostsDI - StaffDA - Other Directly AllocatedDI - T&S
£3,235£35,275£4,925£6,790£28,851£391£405

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