Los Angeles, California – A groundbreaking satellite, known as MethaneSat, is set to revolutionize the fight against greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas industry. Scheduled for launch from California onboard a SpaceX rocket, MethaneSat aims to provide the first comprehensive global view of methane leaks from oil and gas operations. This initiative comes at a critical time, as methane is responsible for 30% of global heating and is a significant driver of the climate crisis.
Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund in partnership with the New Zealand Space Agency, MethaneSat comes with a price tag of $88 million. This innovative satellite will offer high-resolution data over larger areas than existing satellites, allowing for the identification of the worst methane polluters. The data collected by MethaneSat will be made public, holding companies accountable for their emissions.
The oil and gas industry plays a major role in human-caused emissions, making it crucial to address methane leaks promptly. More than 150 countries have pledged to reduce methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, signaling a global effort to combat climate change. Some oil and gas companies have made similar commitments, with new regulations in the works to limit methane leaks in countries like the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea.
Experts believe that MethaneSat will set the gold standard for methane measurements, contributing to the UN’s international methane emissions observatory. By monitoring the smaller leaks that contribute significantly to total emissions, MethaneSat will provide empirical data for the entire oil and gas production system globally. This data will be crucial in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement in reducing methane emissions.
The potential impact of MethaneSat goes beyond oil and gas emissions, as it could also track methane from coalmines, landfills, and farming – other major sources of human-caused emissions. With its ability to detect even small changes in methane levels, MethaneSat is poised to play a vital role in addressing climate change. As the fight against climate change intensifies, initiatives like MethaneSat offer hope for a more sustainable future.