Critical method needs in measuring greenhouse gas fluxes

Abstract Reaching climate goals depends on appropriate and accurate methods to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes verify that efforts mitigate GHG emissions are effective. We here highlight critical advantages, limitations, needs regarding flux measurement methods, identified from an analysis of >13 500 scientific publications three long-lived GHGs, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 nitrous oxide (N O). While existing well-suited for assessing atmospheric changes local fluxes, they expensive have limited accessibility. Further, we typically forced choose between very sources sinks their regulation (m -scaled measurements), or aggregated net at >ha km scales measurements. The results the key need accessible affordable many types not quantifiable fossil fuel use, better inventories mitigation transparency accountability under Paris agreement. situation also calls novel capable quantifying large scale patterns while simultaneously distinguishing source sink dynamics reveal regulation, representing knowledge quantitative modeling. Possible strategies address method discussed. generated indications how measurements been distributed geographically across types, which reported.