ITMS at NCGG10 – What puzzles have to do with greenhouse gases

Under the motto “The other half of the problem,” researchers and inventory compilers met in Utrecht from June 15–17, 2026, for the 1”0th International Symposium on Non-CO₂ Greenhouse Gases (NCGG10)”. The motto highlights the significant contributions of non-CO₂ greenhouse gases such as CH₄, N₂O, and SF₆ to global warming—and the associated challenges of advancing climate protection and mitigation measures

The symposium excelled in fostering both a broad spectrum of contributions on various gases, their measurement methods, and modeling approaches, as well as focused exchanges on specific challenges. ITMS contributed to the discussions by presenting results on atmospheric CH₄ inversion using the ITMS demonstrator (introduced by Valentin Bruch) and key findings from the first phase of ITMS (presented by Andrea Kaiser-Weiss). During the poster session, Maya Harms, Beatrice Ellerhoff, and Frank-Thomas Koch enjoyed lively discussions and numerous questions about their scientific posters on SF₆ forward simulation, the temporal variability of simulated CH₄, and CH₄ inversions using CarboScope-Regional (see slideshows below).

 

Beyond the scientific exchange, an 800-piece puzzle invited attendees to collaborate and solve it together—and indeed, through a joint, continuous, and precise (one might say “scientific”) effort, the puzzle was completed. Symbolically, the puzzle reflected a key takeaway from the closing discussion: By working together across communities—modeling, observation, and inventory compilation—we can learn from each other, solve puzzles, and contribute to more climate protection on this planet.

 

 

Thank you to NCGG10, its organizers, and to Utrecht with its beautiful old town for this wonderful conference, the inspiring exchange, and the great hospitality.