A new satellite has been launched to monitor methane levels in Earth’s atmosphere, a gas that significantly contributes to global warming. The satellite, which will orbit the planet 15 times a day, aims to track methane emissions from oil and gas facilities worldwide. The data collected will be publicly available, enabling companies to spot and fix leaks in their infrastructure, while also allowing regulators and the public to ensure that these leaks are addressed. The Environmental Defense Fund, the U.S.-based charity that funded the satellite, hopes this will cut methane emissions from these sources by nearly half by 2030.
- A satellite designed to detect methane emissions has been launched into orbit, capable of circling Earth 15 times a day.
- The satellite’s mission is to identify methane leaks from the oil and gas industry, a significant source of the potent greenhouse gas.
- Current technologies allow for the repair of methane emissions at a minimal cost, making the data crucial for fixing leaks.
- Collected data will be made public, assisting companies in identifying and repairing leaks and enabling oversight by regulators and the public.
- The Environmental Defense Fund, which is behind the initiative, aims to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure by up to 45% by the end of the decade.
- The data could also lead to the naming and holding accountable of companies responsible for methane leaks.
- Google is collaborating to use AI tools to map gas infrastructure and accurately trace methane emission sources.
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with 80 times the warming potential of CO2 but remains in the atmosphere for a much shorter period, about 12 years.
- Reducing methane emissions can significantly slow down climate change more rapidly than addressing CO2 emissions alone.
- The satellite’s output is expected to contribute to a reduction in the rate of global warming by targeting a major contributor to climate change.
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