How satellite technology is pinpointing the world's most significant methane polluters from orbit

Methane is a potent driver of climate change, yet it remains relatively short-lived in our atmosphere. By leveraging advanced orbital instruments, scientists are now identifying major emission hotspots daily, providing a critical tool for authorities to track and mitigate industrial pollution on a global scale.

Methane ranks as the second most significant greenhouse gas, trailing only carbon dioxide. Because it persists in the atmosphere for a shorter duration than other gases, reducing its output offers a pathway to immediate climate benefits. The Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, equipped with the Tropomi instrument, currently serves as the only technology capable of mapping global methane concentrations on a daily basis.

Beyond global monitoring, a new generation of specialized satellites is transforming enforcement efforts. As of November 2024, private initiatives like GHGSat have deployed constellations into orbit to track individual 'super-emitters.' These high-resolution observations allow regulators to identify specific sources of pollution, marking a shift in how environmental authorities monitor and address large-scale methane leaks.

Source: Monitoring methane from space