Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are reactive carbon-containing molecules that can influence atmospheric chemistry and climate. A research spotlight from AGU Eos argues that these compounds have been underestimated in the carbon cycle. Because they are emitted from the land surface and react quickly in the atmosphere, they may carry a significant amount of carbon that standard accounting misses.
Current carbon cycle models may not fully capture the role of VOCs in moving carbon between ecosystems and the air. The spotlight emphasizes that improving measurements of these compounds is essential for understanding biosphere-atmosphere interactions. Without better tracking, scientists may continue to overlook an important part of the global carbon budget.
Closing that gap would help researchers build more accurate models of how carbon flows through the Earth system. It would also clarify how natural emissions affect air quality and climate, making VOC monitoring a priority for future research.