Title: Satellite Network Revolutionizes Detection of Methane Super-Emitters
In a groundbreaking development for climate change mitigation efforts, a network of connected satellites is now capable of detecting methane super-emitters with high accuracy and near real-time capabilities. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for a quarter of human-induced global warming, remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period than carbon dioxide.
The innovative tiered approach utilizes low-resolution global scans conducted by the Sentinel-5P satellite, along with precise pinpointing by Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-2, to identify hotspots emitting alarming levels of methane. Filling in the gaps left by the GHGSat satellite’s observations, high-resolution data from Sentinel-2 and pinpointing by Sentinel-3 are crucial components of the methodology.
The Dutch Tropomy Monitoring Instrument (Tropomi) installed on the Sentinel-5P conducts daily global scans to monitor methane emissions across the entire globe. Thanks to the capacity of Sentinel-3, the largest methane sources can be pinpointed within an exceptional resolution of 500×500 square meters in favorable conditions.
By identifying major sources of methane emissions, this technology plays a pivotal role in evidence-based decision-making and successful mitigation of climate change. The tiered approach has successfully detected methane super-emitters, including fossil fuel facilities and landfills that significantly contribute to the release of this harmful gas.
This breakthrough capability represents a significant development in the fight against climate change. The integration of three key Copernicus satellites – Sentinel-5P, Sentinel-3, and Sentinel-2 – enables a precise and rapid identification of methane super-emitters. In fact, this groundbreaking approach has already been employed to detect methane emissions from a Russian gas pipeline, demonstrating its effectiveness.
This revolutionary technology will be presented at the upcoming Global Methane Hub, where climate experts and policymakers will come together to discuss and advance initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions worldwide. With methane being a potent driver of global warming, the ability to swiftly identify and address its sources is of utmost importance.
In conclusion, the introduction of a connected satellite network for methane detection marks a major step forward in climate change mitigation. This groundbreaking approach, utilizing the capabilities of Sentinel-5P, Sentinel-3, and Sentinel-2, allows for precise and instantaneous identification of methane super-emitters. As efforts intensify to combat climate change, this powerful tool will prove essential in fostering evidence-based decision-making and successfully mitigating the environmental impact of methane emissions.
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