A novel approach for independent budgeting of fossil fuel CO2 over Europe by 14CO2 observations

Abstract

Long‐term atmospheric 14CO2 observations are used to quantify fossil fuel‐derived CO2 concentrations at a regional polluted site, and at a continental mountain station in southwest Germany. Fossil fuel CO2 emission rates for the relevant catchment areas are obtained by applying the Radon‐Tracer‐Method. They compare well with statistical emissions inventories but reveal a larger seasonality than earlier assumed, thus contributing significantly to the observed CO2 seasonal cycle over Europe. Based on the present approach, emissions reductions on the order of 5–10% are detectable for catchment areas of several hundred kilometres radius, as anticipated within a five‐years commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Still, no significant change of fossil fuel CO2 emissions is observed at the two sites over the last 16 years.