Satellite set to change the game in global methane monitoring
Credit: NASA/Unsplash

Satellite set to change the game in global methane monitoring

A new privately-funded satellite, MethaneSAT, aims to revolutionize how we detect and quantify global methane emissions, crucial in the fight against climate change.

Jill English reports for CBC News.


In short:

  • MethaneSAT will enhance the detection of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, pinpointing the quantity and sources of emissions worldwide.
  • The mission is a collaboration involving the Environmental Defense Fund, Google, and other partners, addressing a critical gap in current methane monitoring capabilities.
  • This initiative will provide invaluable data, aiding policymakers and experts in implementing effective methane reduction strategies.

Key quote:

"We don't have a really granular picture on the true amount of methane that's being emitted... MethaneSAT fills a critical data gap that current missions aren't capable of."

— Katlyn MacKay, Canadian scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund

Why this matters:

MethaneSAT targets a gas far more damaging than CO2, providing data critical for shaping informed policies and actions to mitigate climate-related risks. This technological advance ties into broader environmental concerns and national efforts to combat climate change, marking a significant stride towards global climate goals.

Methane and other air pollutants seep from wells — both active and inactive — and from equipment.

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