Doug Worthy

Scientist - Study Leader, Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases: Measurements and Interpretation

Current research and/or projects

Manages long term observations and research programs for measurements of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from arctic, boreal and marine locations in Canada for use in carbon cycle research, emission sources and sinks quantification / evaluation, and climate policy and regulation development. Coordinates Environment Canada's participation in GHG measurement and scientific collaborations nationally and internationally (eg. WMO Global Atmosphere Watch Program). Additional information: Canadian greenhouse gas program

Scientific analysis and interpretation of the spatial and temporal trends of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Identifies probable causes for observed atmospheric variations in the data
Applies atmospheric transport modelling results and greenhouse gas data to quantify national and regional emisisions of natural and anthropogenic (e.g. fossil fuels) greenhouse gases
Directs the research and development on new measurement techniques and designs in-house calibration programs and procedures to meet internationally assigned data quality requirements

Professional activities / interests

Member of the WMO Scientific Advisory Group for Greenhouse Gases

Establishes liaisons and develops cooperation between Canada and international scientists engaged in related measurement programs, specifically the WMO GAW and NOAA Global Monitoring Program

Participates as an authority and advisor to numerous international agencies on the application and requirements associated with the precise and accurate measurement of atmospheric greenhouse gases

Co-organizer of the 12th World Meteological Organization's Meeting of Experts on Carbon Dioxide and Retated Tracers, 2003, Toronto

Education and awards

Recipient of the 2008 NOAA outstanding scientific paper award.

Recipient of Environment Canada's Air Quality Division's 2003 Research Award

Key publications

Worthy, D.E.J., E. Chan, M. Ishizawa, D. Chan, C. Poss, E. J. Dlugokencky, S. Maksyutov and I. Levin. 2009. Decreasing anthropogenic methane emissions in Europe and Siberia inferred from continuous carbon dioxide and methane observations at Alert, Canada, J. Geophys. Res., 114(D10301), doi:10.1029/2008JD011239.

Chen, B., J.M. Chen, G. Mo, T.A. Black and D.E.J. Worthy. 2008. Comparison of regional carbon flux estimates from CO2 concentration measurements and remote sensing based footprint integration, Global Biogeochemical Cycles.

Chen, J.M., B. Chen, K. Higuchi, J. Liu, D Chan, D. Worthy, P. Tans and A. Black. 2006. Boreal ecosystems sequestered more carbon in warmer years, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33(L10803), doi:10.1029/2006GL025919.

Zhou, L., D.E.J. Worthy, Y.P. Wen, M.K Ernst, P.M. Lang, J.L. Li and X.C. Zhang. 2004. 10 years of atmospheric methane observations at a high elevation site in Western China. Atmospheric Environment 38:7041-7054.

Worthy, D.E.J., K. Higuchi and D. Chan, 2003. The North American Influence on Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Observations at Sable Island, Canada, Tellus 55B:105- 114.

Worthy, D.E.J., I. Levin, N.B.A. Trivett, J.F. Hopper and M. Ernst. 2000. Evidence for a link between climate and northern wetland methane emissions, J. Geophys. Res. 105(4):031-4,038.

Worthy, D.E.J., I. Levin, I. N.B.A. Trivett, A.J. Kuhlmann, J.F. Hopper and M.K. Ernst. 1998. Seven years of continuous methane observations at a remote boreal site in Ontario, Canada, J. Geophys. Res. 103(15):995-16,007.