The Virtual Institute for the Carbon Cycle (VICC)

Carbon emissions are fundamentally altering our planet—driving temperature increases, disrupting weather patterns, and shifting habitable zones. To design effective climate interventions and accurately assess their outcomes, we need precise carbon cycle accounting and a deeper understanding of Earth system responses to emissions reductions and greenhouse gas removal.

Currently, significant uncertainties in carbon flux measurements, especially at regional and continental scales, limit our ability to forecast climate impacts and develop targeted solutions. These knowledge gaps also hinder the creation of sustainable, evidence-based policies.

VICC addresses critical knowledge gaps for the global carbon cycle through comprehensive scientific research focused on improving the accuracy of global carbon budget measurements by an order of magnitude. Through integrated observing and modeling efforts, VICC aims to provide the scientific foundation needed for effective climate action. Our work encompasses:

– Precise quantification of all sources and sinks within major global carbon reservoirs—from the atmosphere to terrestrial ecosystems and oceans

– Tracking carbon fluxes between these interconnected systems with unprecedented accuracy

– Developing high-resolution measurements at regional and continental scales

– Robust modeling to bring new observations to bear on the community’s understanding of the global carbon cycle

– Delivering reliable data on sub-annual timescales to support responsive policy decisions