(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists have found that large astronomical observatories contribute to climate change. An article on the topic was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
Experts from the French Institute of Astrophysics and Planetology (IRAP) have calculated that the leading astronomical observatories during their existence generate 20 million tons of carbon dioxide.
Thus, they make a serious contribution to global warming, the main anthropogenic factor of which is CO2.
The scientists noted that this amount includes all the carbon dioxide produced during construction and operation, and in the case of space telescopes like James Webb, the delivery of the observatory into orbit also contributes.
The carbon footprint of huge observatories, like the 30-meter telescope under construction in Hawaii, is comparable to the annual emissions of small countries like Estonia, Croatia or Bulgaria.
If astronomers want to meet their plan to reduce carbon emissions globally, they will have to reduce the numbers by a factor of 20.
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