Methane leaks are a climate problem. These satellites could help find them

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new fleet of satellites, including Tanager-1 and MethaneSAT, has been launched to detect and monitor methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas
• These satellites, developed by organizations like NASA, Planet Labs, and Carbon Mapper, are designed to provide precise data on methane leaks from sources such as fossil fuel extraction, agriculture, and landfills
• Methane, which warms the planet 80 times faster than CO2 over a 20-year period, is a significant contributor to global warming

🔭 The context: MethaneSAT, launched by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), can circle the globe 15 times a day, monitoring regions where 80% of global oil and gas production occurs
• This satellite, along with others in orbit, aims to transform how regulators and environmental advocates address methane leaks
• By providing publicly accessible data, these satellites enable more stringent regulations, help companies pinpoint and repair leaks, and support climate action

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Detecting and fixing methane leaks is a crucial and relatively straightforward climate solution that can significantly reduce global warming
• These satellites offer a powerful tool to monitor emissions on a global scale, ensuring accountability and encouraging the reduction of methane emissions, which is vital for achieving climate targets

⏭️ What's next: Over the coming months, EDF researchers will calibrate MethaneSAT to ensure it functions as planned
• By 2025, the satellite is expected to provide extensive data, potentially reshaping policies and enforcement related to methane emissions
• The success of this mission will depend on how effectively the data is used to drive meaningful climate action

💬 One quote: "You can’t manage what you don’t measure," said Riley Duren, CEO of Carbon Mapper, emphasizing the importance of accurate data in mitigating climate change

📈 One stat: Methane warms the planet 80 times faster than CO2 over a 20-year period

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