Satellites Unlock Methane Detection

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Since more than 100 countries signed on to the Global Methane Pledge last November, efforts to measure, track, and reduce methane emissions have been out of this world. 

Literally. 

Drones, satellites, helicopters, and other eyes in the sky are key to finding and stopping sources of methane emissions and improving accuracy of tracking and reporting. 

A team of French and American scientists recently uncovered so-called “ultra emitters” of methane—many of which are from oil and gas related activities. The researchers used atmospheric modeling and imaging from satellites to conduct global reporting. 

Speaking of reporting…current methods don’t seem to be trustworthy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) found that methane emissions are about 70% greater than what governments are officially reporting. Companies and countries are having trouble monitoring, tracking, and reporting methane emissions, but satellites are swooping in to help. 

Both public and private organizations are launching imaging satellites to track methane emissions more accurately and identify the biggest emitters to put a stop to the release of the harmful GHG. 

Get the latest in methane tech at the Methane Strategies Forum, this June in Houston, Texas. It’ll be a gas.