Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)
Europe's air monitoring service forecasts air pollution, smoke and dust worldwide twice a day; more than 23,500 users (CAMS, 2024).
Image: NASA Earth Observatory (Aqua MODIS, June 19, 2013).
Last reviewed: 5 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- CAMS checks the air all over the world, from smoke to dust to pollution.
- It uses satellites and computer models to forecast dirty air days ahead.
- People can plan to stay safe on bad air days.
The Five W's of CAMS
Who
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) runs CAMS for the European Commission, as one of six Copernicus services.
What
Quality-assured information about the atmosphere, especially trace gases and Tiny bits of dust, smoke, salt or pollution floating in the air. They can block sunlight and help clouds form. Glossary, from satellites, ground stations and models.
When
Global forecasts run twice daily, out to five days; European forecasts run daily, out to four days.
Source: CAMS, Introduction at the 8th General Assembly (June 12, 2024)
Where
The whole globe at 40 km, and Europe at 10 km.
Source: CAMS, Introduction at the 8th General Assembly (June 12, 2024)
Why
Its forecasts support air quality policies, and an aerosol-alerts service monitors natural air pollution events.
Source: CAMS, Introduction at the 8th General Assembly (June 12, 2024)
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
CAMS reported more than 23,500 users in June 2024, over 3,050 of them routine users (CAMS).
Source: CAMS, Introduction at the 8th General Assembly (June 12, 2024)
For Further Information: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, About us
CAMS draws on more than 80 satellite instruments plus ground measurements (CAMS).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
CAMS forecasts support air quality policies in Europe and analyse air pollution episodes (CAMS).
Source: CAMS, Introduction at the 8th General Assembly (June 12, 2024)
For Nature
CAMS tracks A gas, like carbon dioxide or methane, that traps heat in the air around Earth, the way a greenhouse keeps plants warm. Glossary, aerosols and smoke, which shape climate and A community of living things and the place they live, like a reef or a forest, all depending on each other. Glossary (CAMS).
Get Involved With CAMS
Want to go deeper? CAMS has the full CAMS story.
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Help This Work
This is a public mission, so there is nothing to donate. You can explore its free data or join a citizen science project.