In a groundbreaking effort to combat climate change, a coalition backed by prominent philanthropists, including former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, has successfully launched its first satellite dedicated to detecting methane leaks from space.
Utilizing NASA-developed technology, the Carbon Mapper Coalition seeks to track methane emissions from sources such as oil refineries and landfills. The data collected will be made available through a public online portal, enhancing transparency and enabling swift action to mitigate emissions.
The satellite, named Tanager-1, was launched aboard the SpaceX Transporter-11 Rideshare mission from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. This marks a significant step forward in global efforts to address climate change by targeting one of its most potent contributors.
Formed in 2021, the Carbon Mapper Coalition comprises NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, satellite firm Planet Labs, RMI, and Arizona State University. Financial support comes from foundations including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the High Tide Foundation.
The coalition plans to launch additional satellites to monitor up to 90 percent of the world’s large methane emissions daily. Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere, making it a critical target for climate change mitigation efforts.
“Identifying ‘super-emitters,’ which release more than 100 kilograms of methane per hour, is essential for cutting emissions and mitigating the worst effects of climate change,” said Carbon Mapper Chief Executive Riley Duren.
By providing detailed, accessible data on methane emissions, the coalition aims to empower governments, businesses, and communities to take informed action against climate change.
(With input from Reuters)
Reference(s):
Bloomberg, NASA coalition launches its first methane-hunting satellite
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