An observation satellite launched on Thursday by China to monitor carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere aims to provide a clearer picture of whether countries' efforts to cut emissions are working.

"The satellite will keep a clear record of CO2 emissions and absorption in different countries," said Li Jiahong, chief engineer of China's National Remote Sensing Center. "It will also identify emissions sources with higher efficiency than traditional measures.

"This will give us a bigger global voice on climate change issues as well as influence in the thriving global emissions trading market," Li said.