More accurate emissions data needed worldwide, U.S. researchers say.

• Author: Block, Ben
• Position: EYE ON EARTH

Under the Copenhagen climate accord reached last December, countries that pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions are to be held to strict domestic and international reporting standards. But this doesn't ensure that reported emission levels are truly accurate, according to a recent report from the U.S. National Research Council (NRC). For most countries, independent data on the full range of greenhouse gases is still unavailable, the report concludes.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In industrialized countries, self-reported national...