Capturing, calculating and disseminating real-time CO2 emissions and CO2 flux measurements via Twitter in a smart city

Abstract

Carbon Dioxide levels in South Africa's Cape area have shown a steady increase from 355.6 ppm in 1983 to approximately 383 ppm in 2008 with current values being approximately 387. These values, however, are not necessarily communicated to the general public in a way that is understandable. This paper describes a project in which carbon dioxide levels are measured at three stations surrounding the Cape Town metropolitan area in South Africa. The wind direction and wind speed are also obtained from various sensors within the metroploitan area. From these measurements, it is possible to determine the changes in the carbon dioxide levels and determine if the Cape Town metropolitan area is emitting or absorbing carbon dioxide. These values are then published on Twitter and Facebook for easy access by the public.