Taking Earth's Carbon Pulse From Space

Abstract Spaceborne CO 2 observations can now resolve monthly anomalies in Earth's carbon cycle, pinpointing the impact of regional extreme events like drought and fire in near real time. Monthly atmospheric CO 2 growth rates from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2 (OCO‐2) provide an early warning system for how the carbon cycle responds to extreme events, and lay a foundation for continuous, satellite‐based monitoring of carbon cycle changes. However, NASA FY 2026 President's Budget Request omits OCO‐2 funding after FY 2025, risking a gap in this monitoring capability as climate hazards intensify.