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| Paper: |
The Carbon Footprint of Astronomical Observatories |
| Volume: |
538, ADASS XXXII |
| Page: |
14 |
| Authors: |
Jürgen Knödlseder |
| DOI: |
10.26624/CAWO1613 |
| Abstract: |
The carbon footprint of astronomical research is an increasingly topical issue.
From a comparison of existing literature, we infer an annual per capita carbon footprint of several tens
of tonnes of CO2 equivalents for an average person working in astronomy.
Astronomical observatories contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of astronomy, and we examine
the related sources of greenhouse gas emissions as well as lever arms for their reduction.
Comparison with other scientific domains illustrates that astronomy is not the only field that needs to
accomplish significant carbon footprint reductions of their research facilities.
We show that limiting global warming to 1.5 C or 2 C implies greenhouse gas emission
reductions that can only be reached by a systemic change of astronomical research activities, and we
argue that a new narrative for doing astronomical research is needed if we want to keep our planet
habitable.
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