Air pollution in Greenland / Luftforurening i Grønland

Greenland is a unique location well known for its exceptional geology containing some of the oldest bedrock on the planet, and ice core measurements, which provide crucial insights into climate research. In addition, a wide range of atmospheric pollutants are monitored as part of both Arctic monitoring programs and a vast number of research projects, which collectively enhances our understanding of climate and environmental impacts.

In1990, Denmark initiated continuous monitoring of air pollutants, and in the following year, the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) was established to monitor pollution and climate change in the Arctic. While AMAP focuses on the effects of long-range transported substances on climate, humans, and ecosystems, other research infrastructures have since been developed. The Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) measures CO₂ and methane across several European countries, including Greenland. The Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gasses Infrastructure (ACTRIS) serve as a research platform for monitoring at similar stations and in laboratories across Europe.

At this seminar, we will take a closer look at the individual Arctic measurements and their importance.

Program

13.00: Welcome and introduction
            Jakob Klenø Nøjgaard, ENVS/AU and Ole Schleicher, IDA Kemi

13:05: Transport and consequences of air pollution in the Arctic, including Greenland - Henrik Skov, ENVS/AU

13:30: Interactions between clouds and atmospheric particles – why is Greenland interesting?
           Andreas Massling and Ulas Im, ENVS/AU

13:55: Methane and CO2 in remote Greenland versus the Northern hemisphere
           Lise Lotte Sørensen, ENVS/AU

14:20: Break  – Coffee, tea and cake

14:50: The origin of natural and anthropogenic air pollution in the high Arctic
            Frederik Hildebrandt, ENVS/AU

15:15: Biomagnification of industrial contaminants in the Arctic
            Christian Sonne, Ecoscience/AU

15:40: Greenland mining – release and transport to the environment
            Christian Juncher Jørgensen, Ecoscience/AU

16:05 – 16:30-Questions and summary
             Jakob Klenø Nøjgaard, ENVS/AU, Ole Schleicher, IDA Kemi

16:30: End