UN Introduces High-Tech Satellite System To Detect Biggest Polluters From Space
At the recent global climate conference COP27, the United Nations announced it will be debuting a new satellite-based space system to track the world’s largest methane polluters, allowing governments and businesses across the globe the opportunity to respond.
Dubbed the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), the data-to-action platform will be part of the UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), and aims to deliver the data “into the right hands” so emissions can be better managed.
Why the focus on methane? Well, as per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the greenhouse gas is responsible for at least a quarter of global warming. In order to maintain the 1.5°C (34.7°F) temperature limit, methane emissions must be cut by at least 30% by 2030.
Hence the importance of MARS, which will become the first public global system able to transparently connect methane detection to notification processes. It will start off by collecting information from large point sources in the energy sector before branching out to other areas.
To tackle climate change by slashing methane emissions, we're launching the Methane Alert and Response System ðŸ›°ï¸ at #COP27.
— International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) (@MethaneData) November 11, 2022
MARS will alert governments and O&G operators about large methane sources to foster rapid and transparent mitigation of this potent gas.#CutMethane pic.twitter.com/gS5qO5MhNb
Using state-of-the-art satellite data, the information from the system will be used to identify major emission events, notify authorities, and track what happens next. Going forward, data on coal, waste, livestock, and rice will be gradually added to the program.
By tapping on global mapping satellites to identify methane hot spots, the software will then attribute these large plumes to a specific culprit, before bringing the matter to the attention of relevant employees so that the responsible party will be forced to take action.
When possible, the organization will provide technical or advisory services to the parties in question to help mitigate the situation. All data and analysis will be made public 45 to 75 days after incidents are first detected.
“Cutting methane is the fastest opportunity to reduce warming and keep 1.5°C within reach, and this new alert and response system is going to be a critical tool for helping all of us deliver on the Global Methane Pledge,” said John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
[via Mashable and United Nations Environment Programme, cover image via Dezzor | Dreamstime.com]
