Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a trace gas in Earth’s atmosphere. It is also known as a greenhouse gas and plays a key role in the presence of life on Earth. Plants rely on carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Animals produce carbon dioxide through respiration and activities that use energy. And organic material releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere as it decays or burns—like in wildfires.
Industrial activity also releases carbon dioxide. And it does so at a rate that exceeds the ability of natural processes to remove it from the atmosphere. As carbon dioxide levels rise, temperature increases follow. Scientists have been aware of this connection for nearly a century. These days, scientists are working to better understand and communicate how carbon dioxide enters and moves through the atmosphere.
NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office developed a high-resolution computer model of carbon dioxide. This model acquires data on the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It then computes the movement of the gas based on simulated conditions over time. NASA used this model to produce a video titled A Year in the Life of Earth’s CO2. And it is stunning.
The masterful display of this data goes even further. Bernhard Jenny, Bojan Šavrič, and Johannes Liem developed a technique for real-time reprojection of interactive video maps. Using this method to display A Year in the Life of Earth’s CO2 brings a novel and engaging touch to an already powerful narrative. It invites viewers to explore deeper as they watch, learn, and gain further appreciation of Earth, its processes, and our influence on both.
