In a significant leap for climate science in South Asia Indian researchers have, for the first time tracked continuous high-resolution measurements of greenhouse gases from a high-altitude Himalayan station, uncovering how both nature and human activity shape regional air chemistry. The findings, released by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), provide a critical dataset that can help fine-tune climate policy and emissions strategies for one of the world most ecologically sensitive regions.
From 2014 to 2018, the ARIES team collected data on carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and carbon monoxide (CO) from their atmospheric monitoring station in Nainital, Uttarakhand a vantage point that captures emissions from both the relatively pristine Himalayan environment and the polluted Indo-Gangetic plains below. The study offers rare insight into how local biospheric processes like vegetation cycles interact with pollution from agriculture, biomass burning, and fossil fuels.
The researchers found that carbon dioxide levels dipped during the day due to photosynthetic absorption by vegetation, but surged in spring likely linked to biomass burning and decreased green cover. Notably CO₂ concentrations in the region are rising at a faster rate than those measured at Mauna Loa in Hawaii the world benchmark for clean-air monitoring.
Methane levels also showed a troubling annual increase, with autumn peaks corresponding to post-harvest stubble burning and paddy cultivation. Carbon monoxide, however, showed a slight annual decline, which researchers say may indicate improved combustion technologies or shifting emission patterns.
Beyond emissions, the study underlines the importance of environmental conditions in modulating gas concentrations. Variables like solar radiation and boundary layer height the lowest part of the atmosphere where most pollutants accumulate significantly influenced how gases were trapped or dispersed throughout the day.
In a global comparison, the data paints a picture of accelerating greenhouse gas trends in South Asia. While absolute gas concentrations remain below urban levels, the rate of increase in CO₂ and CH₄ in the Himalayas now surpasses global averages, highlighting the urgency for region-specific monitoring and action.
The implications are far-reaching. Ground-based data from ARIES can help validate satellite observations, refine national emissions inventories, and enhance regional climate and air quality models. It also arms policymakers with high-resolution, real-time data for designing effective interventions from smarter agricultural practices to clean energy transitions.
As climate threats loom larger over the Himalayan region often called the “Third Pole” for its glacier reserves the study serves as a foundation for future research and a clarion call for action. It advocates for long-term atmospheric observation systems to track climate progress and support South Asia’s journey toward a resilient, low-emissions future.