Context:
MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact
- MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring
- Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals
Addressing Methane Emissions: Urgency and Impact
Greenhouse Effect:
Methane’s Potent Impact:
- Methane, although invisible, stands as a potent greenhouse gas, ranking as the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
- It has been a significant factor, contributing to 30% of global heating since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
- Over a span of 20 years, methane’s warming potency surpasses that of carbon dioxide by 80 times, underscoring its critical role in accelerating climate change.
Human Health Implications:
Formation of Ground-Level Ozone:
- Methane emissions are linked to the formation of ground-level ozone, a colorless and highly irritating gas situated just above the Earth’s surface.
- A 2022 report highlights the alarming consequence of ground-level ozone exposure, estimating its involvement in causing one million premature deaths annually.
- Monitoring and mitigating methane emissions become imperative not only for climate stability but also for safeguarding public health.
MethaneSAT’s Role:
Tracking and Measurement:
- MethaneSAT’s orbital monitoring capabilities provide a crucial tool in tracking and measuring methane emissions globally.
- By identifying emission sources and trends, MethaneSAT contributes significantly to understanding and addressing the environmental and health impacts associated with methane.
Global Collaborative Action:
Mitigating Climate Change:
- The urgency to curb methane emissions aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and its multifaceted impacts.
- As methane plays a substantial role in both the greenhouse effect and adverse health outcomes, tracking and addressing its emissions are paramount for achieving a sustainable and healthier future.
MethaneSAT: Revolutionizing Methane Emission Monitoring
- MethaneSAT is a revolutionary satellite designed to orbit the Earth 15 times a day, focusing on monitoring methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
- It will create a large amount of data, which will tell how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time.
- Developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Monitoring:
- MethaneSAT will generate extensive, near real-time data showcasing methane emissions worldwide.
- The data will be publicly accessible, aiding stakeholders and regulators in making informed decisions to mitigate emissions.
Partnerships:
- The EDF partnered with reputable institutions, including Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency, for the satellite’s development.
Addressing Monitoring Gaps:
- MethaneSAT addresses existing gaps in monitoring systems by providing detailed data on specific sources, including smaller ones often overlooked.
- Aiming to rectify the reported 70% underestimation of global methane emissions by national governments, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
High-Resolution Sensors:
- Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentration differences as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere.
- This capability allows the satellite to identify smaller emission sources not captured by previous satellites.
Wide-Camera View:
- MethaneSAT features a wide-camera view of approximately 200 km by 200 km, enabling the identification of larger emitters known as super emitters.
AI Technology:
- The collected data will undergo analysis using cloud-computing and AI technology developed by Google, a mission partner.
- Google’s Earth Engine platform will host and make the data accessible to the public.
Significance of MethaneSAT: Advancing Global Environmental Goals
Fulfilling Global Methane Pledge 2021:
- MethaneSAT plays a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Global Methane Pledge 2021.
- Over 150 countries signed this pledge, committing to a collective reduction of at least 30% in methane emissions by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
- The satellite aids countries and companies in meeting these ambitious targets, contributing to global environmental sustainability.
Driving Transparency:
- MethaneSAT introduces a new era of transparency in monitoring methane emissions.
- The satellite’s publicly available data is accessible worldwide, providing a tool for scrutinizing and verifying the methane reduction commitments made by governments and corporations.
- This transparency fosters accountability and facilitates a more informed approach to environmental stewardship.
Catalyzing Global Environmental Initiatives:
- As more than 50 companies pledged to virtually eliminate methane emissions and routine flaring, MethaneSAT emerges as a crucial instrument in catalyzing and supporting these global environmental initiatives.
- The satellite’s monitoring capabilities contribute to the overall success of environmental commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.
-Source: The Hindu
