Solar energy can, of course, be gathered on Earth, but only about half of the sun's radiation ever makes it to the Earth's surface--the rest is either absorbed by the atmosphere or reflected back by clouds.

FORBES: Galactic Gold Mine?

Just as, we can directly measure today, that the carbon dioxide that we are adding to the atmosphere being absorbed by the ocean, even the temperature of that ocean is rising.

FORBES: Antarctic Temperatures Are Rising Twice As Fast As Previously Predicted

The sub-millimeter radiation that the telescope will collect is usually absorbed by water, but the lack of moisture in the atmosphere will enable scientists to enjoy a clear view of the sky.

CNN: Telescope set to reveal 'Big Bang'

According to the WMO, about 375 billion tons of carbon has been released into the atmosphere since the industrial revolution began in 1750, with around half this amount being absorbed by carbon sinks.

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The concentration maps produced by Ibuki and OCO will help in understanding where carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere and where it gets absorbed.

ECONOMIST: Two new satellites will monitor carbon dioxide emissions