All Nippon Airways (ANA) are launching a joint research program together with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to utilize passenger aircraft for atmospheric component monitoring over urban areas.

According to JAXA, greenhouse gas emissions in cities, which are estimated to account for 70-80% of human-made CO2 emissions, are difficult to track with satellites on a global scale.

The agency has developed a ‘carry-on luggage sized’ device that will monitor detailed atmospheric component distribution from any of the ANA’s aircraft cabins. The regular flights performed over cities as the planes take off and land will produce more accurate data regarding carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions and their distribution.

The statement cites the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 to limit the global temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to practically zero as the joint initiative’s main aim.

Boeing introduced a somewhat similar program with a new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner for Etihad Airways. The aircraft, equipped with sound measurement testing, will gather data to optimize routing efficiency and reduce aircraft emitted noise.