Photographs of greenhouse gas measurement stations across Europe tell a story of climate change research

The images reveal a little more about what they do at the Integrated Carbon Observation System, also known as ICOS, and how our environment is changing. They show the dedication and passion for climate change research and give us a glimpse of the lengths scientists will go to in their mission to figure out what's happening to our planet.

On display at the Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki from today, the series is part of Punkka's way to defend nature. "I want to show what kind of unique places and animals there are in the world. Through my photographs, I want to tell people that they should protect nature, animals, and life on this planet in general," he says.

To measure greenhouse gases accurately, there obviously needs to be cooperation between countries. Which is why the ICOS is so valuable. It consists of over 130 measurement stations, laboratories, a data centre, and about 500 scientists.

"Greenhouse gases are transported into the atmosphere for hundreds or even thousands of kilometres," says Professor Annalea Lohila of Finnish Meteorological Institute and the University of Helsinki. "When measuring in exactly the same way both close to the Polish coal power plants and in the tundra in clean Finnish Lapland, we can have comparable information regarding the sinks and sources of greenhouse gases as well as on local conditions."

You can see the photographs at the Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki until 15 March 2020. To find out more about Konsta Punkka, visit konstapunkka.com.