Addressing Methane Emissions

Context:

MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact
2. MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring
3. Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals

Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact

Greenhouse Effect:

Methane’s Potent Impact:

• Methane, although invisible, stands as a potent greenhouse gas, ranking as the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
• It has been a significant factor, contributing to 30% of global heating since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
• Over a span of 20 years, methane’s warming potency surpasses that of carbon dioxide by 80 times, underscoring its critical role in accelerating climate change.

Human Health Implications:

Formation of Ground-Level Ozone:

• Methane emissions are linked to the formation of ground-level ozone, a colorless and highly irritating gas situated just above the Earth’s surface.
• A 2022 report highlights the alarming consequence of ground-level ozone exposure, estimating its involvement in causing one million premature deaths annually.
• Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions become imperative not only for climate stability but also for safeguarding public health.

MethaneSAT’s Role:

Tracking and Measurement:

• MethaneSAT’s orbital monitoring capabilities provide a crucial tool in tracking and measuring methane emissions globally.
• By identifying emission sources and trends, MethaneSAT contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the environmental and health impacts associated with methane.

Global Collaborative Action:

Mitigating Climate Change:

• The urgency to curb methane emissions aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and its multifaceted impacts.
• As methane plays a substantial role in both the greenhouse effect and adverse health outcomes, tracking and addressing its emissions are paramount for achieving a sustainable and healthier future.

MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring

• MethaneSAT is a revolutionary satellite designed to orbit the Earth 15 times a day, focusing on monitoring methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
• It will create a large amount of data, which will tell how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time.
• Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Monitoring:

• MethaneSAT will generate extensive, near real-time data showcasing methane emissions worldwide.
• The data will be publicly accessible, aiding stakeholders and regulators in making informed decisions to mitigate emissions.

Partnerships:

• The EDF partnered with reputable institutions, including Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency, for the satellite’s development.

Addressing Monitoring Gaps:

• MethaneSAT addresses existing gaps in monitoring systems by providing detailed data on specific sources, including smaller ones often overlooked.
• Aiming to rectify the reported 70% underestimation of global methane emissions by national governments, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

High-Resolution Sensors:

• Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentration differences as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere.
• This capability allows the satellite to identify smaller emission sources not captured by previous satellites.

Wide-Camera View:

• MethaneSAT features a wide-camera view of approximately 200 km by 200 km, enabling the identification of larger emitters known as super emitters.

AI Technology:

• The collected data will undergo analysis using cloud-computing and AI technology developed by Google, a mission partner.
• Google’s Earth Engine platform will host and make the data accessible to the public.

Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals

Fulfilling Global Methane Pledge 2021:

• MethaneSAT plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Global Methane Pledge 2021.
  • Over 150 countries signed this pledge, committing to a collective reduction of at least 30% in methane emissions by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
  • The satellite aids countries and companies in meeting these ambitious targets, contributing to global environmental sustainability.

Driving Transparency:

• MethaneSAT introduces a new era of transparency in monitoring methane emissions.
  • The satellite’s publicly available data is accessible worldwide, providing a tool for scrutinizing and verifying the methane reduction commitments made by governments and corporations.
  • This transparency fosters accountability and facilitates a more informed approach to environmental stewardship.

Catalyzing Global Environmental Initiatives:

• As more than 50 companies pledged to virtually eliminate methane emissions and routine flaring, MethaneSAT emerges as a crucial instrument in catalyzing and supporting these global environmental initiatives.
• The satellite’s monitoring capabilities contribute to the overall success of environmental commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.

-Source: The Hindu