In a groundbreaking achievement for environmental science, the 1,300 largest methane-polluting sites across the globe have been pinpointed, thanks to cutting-edge satellite surveillance by environmental intelligence company Kayrros. This revelation not only serves as an urgent call to action but also presents a significant opportunity to tackle climate change head-on.
Kayrros’ satellite technology has unveiled the exact sources of methane leaks, allowing for unprecedented precision in identifying the culprits behind potent planet-warming pollution. Antoine Rostand, co-founder of Kayrros, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Previously, we could measure the amount of methane in the atmosphere, but now we really know exactly where it’s coming from.”
The pursuit of understanding the “where,” “what,” and “why” of these polluting leaks has led Kayrros to various locations, including gas wells, pipelines, coal mines, and waste sites in countries such as Turkmenistan (home to the largest oil and gas source), India, Russia, Australia, and the United States.
With the identification of both the “who” and “where,” targeted reduction strategies become feasible. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan but exerts a significant impact on Earth’s temperature during that time. Addressing methane leaks can yield immediate benefits, slowing near-term temperature rises, improving air quality, and safeguarding public health.
Governments and researchers are stepping up efforts to combat methane emissions. The U.S. has recently implemented national methane monitoring and repair policies, projected to eliminate 58 million tons of toxic gas over 15 years. Furthermore, over 150 world governments have committed to the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane output by 30% by 2030, potentially preventing over 250,000 heat-related deaths annually.
As the world gains visibility into exact methane leak sources through space-based surveillance, a clearer path to a cooler and more sustainable future emerges. Kayrros remains committed to continuous monitoring and sharing its findings globally, advocating for open-access climate data to hold governments and businesses accountable in the fight against climate change. Rostand stated, “Open-access climate data has a huge role to play in the climate crisis by holding governments and businesses to account.”
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