Scientists at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a new method for measuring urban greenhouse gas emissions by analyzing radiocarbon in cut turfgrass. This technique can precisely reflect levels of fossil-fuel-derived carbon dioxide within specific neighborhoods and small urban areas.
The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, shows that carbon measurements from urban grass can be used to create “urban CO₂ dome maps” — a powerful tool for evaluating whether cities’ climate-mitigation policies are truly effective, especially in areas lacking comprehensive air-pollution monitoring systems.
Professor Claudia Czimczik, the study’s lead author, explained:
“Radiocarbon measurements in grass offer a simple and highly spatially sensitive way to understand CO₂ emission patterns in cities better than ever before.”
The research team conducted tests across Southern California, collecting grass clippings every 1–2 weeks to accurately reflect real-time CO₂ levels. They found that this method successfully detected greenhouse-gas patterns in Los Angeles, a city surrounded by mountains that trap pollution in the air.
This new technique may become a vital tool for cities worldwide to monitor, verify, and accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more effectively. 🌍
CR: Phys.org (https://phys.org/news/2025-11-radiocarbon-analysis-turfgrasses-cities-greenhouse.html)
