Satellite-Based Emission Inversion for Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases: A Review

Retrievals of satellite-observed emissions of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases provide essential information and data for understanding the sources of these key atmospheric compositions and for implementing precise emission control measures. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the field of emission inversion, with Chinese researchers playing a substantial role. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Meteorological Society and Acta Meteorologica Sinica, this paper systematically reviews the advances in satellite-based emission inversion research by Chinese scientists during this period. (1) Several widely used inversion methodologies, including data assimilation, local mass balance, Gaussian models, two-dimensional (2D) models, and machine learning, are briefly summarized. (2) Emission inversion studies focusing on major atmospheric pollutants— such as nitrogen oxides (NO_x), ammonia (NH₃), formaldehyde (HCHO), glyoxal (CHOCHO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO)—as well as greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), are systematically elaborated. (3) Finally, the historical evolution of inversion methods and target species, challenges in current satellite-based emission inversion, and future research directions are discussed to promote more accurate quantification of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. It is worth noting that contributions from Chinese researchers have provided critical scientific support to environmental protection and carbon neutrality efforts in China.