The Integrated Greenhouse gas Monitoring System (ITMS) for Germany

Kurzfassung

Following the Paris Agreement in 2015, there has been growing recognition of the critical need for transparent and precise greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring, especially to support the Global Stocktake. In response, Germany launched its national initiative, the Integrated Greenhouse Gas Monitoring System (ITMS), in 2022 to provide independent GHG flux estimates by integrating observational data with inverse atmospheric transport models. The system utilises state-of-the-art information from ground-based, airborne, and satellite observations, as well as high-resolution bottom-up flux and atmospheric transport models. This multidisciplinary project draws on expertise in atmospheric and satellite observations, biosphere and agricultural research, inventory management, and atmospheric transport modelling. Inverse modelling is deployed at mesoscale resolution, using the CarboScope-Regional inversion system as a reference, and the development of ICON-ART based data assimilation for future operational services at the national meteorological service DWD. ITMS aligns with European initiatives like ICOS and Copernicus to support effective climate action and compliance with EU and international goals. Additionally, ITMS serves as Germany's contribution to the WMO/IG3IS programme and will be integrated in the upcoming infrastructure of G3W.