The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has unveiled satellite data from MethaneSAT, a new satellite system designed to monitor global methane emissions. The data highlights methane leaks from key fossil fuel production regions, including Turkmenistan, the United States, and Venezuela, according to Times of Central Asia.
The initial findings show that methane emissions from production sites in North America and Central Asia, particularly Turkmenistan, are significantly higher than previously estimated by ground-based monitoring methods. This new information comes as both Turkmenistan and the U.S. are signatories to the Global Methane Pledge, an international initiative committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
MethaneSAT is part of a growing movement of satellite missions aimed at holding major fossil fuel producers accountable for methane leaks. These findings come amid alarming reports, such as a September study from Stanford University, which revealed that global methane emissions are increasing at an unprecedented rate, pushing atmospheric methane levels to the highest in 800,000 years. Experts warn that without immediate action, global temperatures could rise by more than 3°C by 2100.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas more than 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide in the short term, is primarily released through fossil fuel production, agriculture, and waste. According to the 2020 Global Methane Budget, human activities accounted for 65% of methane emissions, with agriculture and waste contributing two-thirds, and fossil fuels responsible for one-third. While agricultural emissions remain difficult to address, methane leaks in fossil fuel production offer an urgent target for mitigation efforts.
The launch of MethaneSAT emphasizes the need for swift action from global fossil fuel producers. The Global Methane Pledge allows for flexibility in how countries meet their emissions reduction goals, with nations like New Zealand focusing on methane reductions in agriculture, while others tackle fossil fuel production emissions.
As atmospheric methane levels reach critical thresholds, initiatives like MethaneSAT aim to galvanize international efforts to combat this significant driver of climate change, stressing the urgency of global action to curb emissions and prevent further environmental degradation.
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