A new study from Northern Arizona University has identified large discrepancies in the Climate TRACE global emissions database co-founded by Al Gore. Researchers determined that the database underestimates carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles in U.S. cities by an average of 70 percent.
The findings, published in Environmental Research Letters, compared Climate TRACE data against the Vulcan emissions database for 260 U.S. cities. Kevin Gurney, a professor at Northern Arizona University, led the research and noted that the gaps were even larger in some locations.
Individual cities such as Indianapolis and Nashville showed undercounts exceeding 90 percent. The study also referenced an earlier analysis that found similar problems with Climate TRACE estimates for power plants.
Gurney warned that the issues could extend globally and affect other parts of the database. He emphasized the need for greater transparency and rigorous scientific standards when using artificial intelligence to track emissions.
"We will never estimate emissions with perfect accuracy, but we must ensure that the data shared with policymakers and the public is unbiased and meets best practices and the most rigorous scientific standards available," Gurney said.
