Satellite tracking is helping scientists pinpoint the worst emissions offenders

In recent years, satellite technology has revolutionized forest carbon monitoring by providing precise data on carbon stocks and emissions. For instance, NASA's Carbon Monitoring System utilizes satellite remote sensing to assess carbon fluxes in forests, enabling the identification of deforestation and degradation hotspots. This approach allows for timely interventions and informed policy decisions to preserve forest carbon sinks.

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Understanding the origins of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for effective climate action. Traditional methods often rely on self-reported data, which can be incomplete or inaccurate. Innovative initiatives like Climate TRACE employ satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to provide a comprehensive and transparent view of global emissions, enhancing our ability to track progress toward net-zero goals.

Challenge

Accurately identifying and quantifying greenhouse gas emissions has been a persistent challenge in climate science. Many countries have not submitted emissions inventories for over a decade, leading to significant data gaps. This lack of reliable information hampers efforts to monitor emission sources and assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.

Moreover, emissions stem from both obvious sources, such as transportation and industrial activities, and less visible ones like waste disposal and livestock. Traditional monitoring methods often fail to capture these diffuse sources, resulting in underestimation of total emissions and impeding targeted reduction efforts.

Solution

To address these challenges, organizations are leveraging satellite technology combined with artificial intelligence to monitor emissions more effectively. Climate TRACE, for example, integrates satellite imagery with AI to detect and quantify emissions from various sources, including oil and gas fields, steel plants, and transportation networks. This method provides real-time, high-resolution data, enabling precise identification of emission hotspots.

Additionally, agencies like NASA are employing satellite-based systems to monitor specific greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. These systems assist in identifying gas leaks, managing forestry resources, and controlling landfill emissions, thereby contributing to more effective emission reduction strategies.

Results & benefits

Implementing satellite-based emission monitoring has led to significant advancements in climate action. For instance, Climate TRACE's analysis revealed that actual emissions from global oil and gas production were nearly double the amounts self-reported to the United Nations. This insight underscores the importance of independent verification in emission reporting.

Furthermore, the ability to pinpoint emission sources with high accuracy enables policymakers and industries to implement targeted mitigation measures. By focusing efforts on the most significant emitters, such as major oil and gas fields, steel plants, and congested transportation networks, it is possible to achieve more substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thereby advancing global climate goals.

Original article here: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/methane-super-emitters-mapped-by-nasas-new-earth-space-mission/

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FOREST

Deforestation Tracking

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EarthGuard is a social enterprise leveraging satellite technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and protect the Earth.

FOREST

Deforestation Tracking

Forest Fire Prevention

Forest Health Monitoring

Forest Carbon Monitoring

COMMUNITY

High-speed Internet

Digital Community Centers

About Us

International Efforts

Contact

EarthGuard is a social enterprise leveraging satellite technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and protect the Earth.

FOREST

Deforestation Tracking

Forest Fire Prevention

Forest Health Monitoring

Forest Carbon Monitoring

COMMUNITY

High-speed Internet

Digital Community Centers

About Us

International Efforts

Contact

EarthGuard is a social enterprise leveraging satellite technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and protect the Earth.