Greenhouse gases are a group of gases that include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and the warming of the planet’s surface.
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased their concentration in the atmosphere to levels that are unprecedented in at least the past 800,000 years [ref].
Invisible to the eye, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has 84 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over 20 years. To understand what is happening with the increasing methane concentration levels, we need to see them. GHGSat’s methane map in its emissions intelligence platform SPECTRA, reveals methane concentrations around the world, including in the United States, in the highest resolution ever.
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The United States and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in 2021 amounted to 6,340.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. However, after accounting for sequestration from the land sector, the net emissions were 5,586.0 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.
Below, we take a look at some additional statistics from the EPA’s 1990-2021 U.S. Inventory Inventory of US GHG report:
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The year 2021 saw a 6 percent increase in total greenhouse gas emissions (after accounting for sequestration from the land sector). This rise was primarily driven by a notable increase in CO2 emissions resulting from fossil fuel combustion. Specifically, CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion witnessed a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. The surge in emissions from fossil fuel consumption can be attributed to the rebounding of economic activity following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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When compared to 2005 levels, greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 (after accounting for sequestration from the land sector) were 17 percent lower. This indicates a significant reduction in emissions over the course of 16 years.
The United States is a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and actions to reduce emissions are critical in addressing the climate crisis. Today, there are many solutions to improve greenhouse gas reduction by monitoring carbon-intensive industries. With accurate data on emissions, we can focus our efforts and implement greenhouse gas reduction strategies and lower emissions across the US.
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The importance of monitoring GHG emitters
Greenhouse gas monitoring involves the collection and analysis of data on point sources of emissions and, more generally, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas monitoring can take several forms, including ground-based measurements, airborne measurements and satellite-based measurements.
The data collected through greenhouse gas monitoring can be used to track changes in greenhouse gas concentrations over time, identify emission sources and sinks, and assess the effectiveness of emissions reduction policies and initiatives on local and global levels. The information gathered through greenhouse gas monitoring is vital for understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and developing strategies for reducing emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Monitoring greenhouse gases can help reduce emissions in several ways:
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Identifying Emission Sources: By monitoring GHG industrial emitters, it is possible to identify the sources of these emissions, such as coal plants, landfills, and industrial processes. This information can be used to develop targeted strategies for reducing emissions.
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Enabling Early Detection: Early detection of changes in greenhouse gas concentrations can help identify potential climate tipping points or other major shifts in the climate system. This information can be used to inform decision-making and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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Encouraging Accountability: The monitoring of greenhouse gases can help foster greater transparency and encourage more responsible behaviour in the use of natural resources and the management of emissions.
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Risk Management: Businesses that monitor their greenhouse gas emissions are better able to identify and manage risks related to climate change, such as supply chain disruptions, increased energy costs, and reputational damage.
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Cost Savings: By monitoring their GHG emitters, businesses can identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and emissions, leading to cost savings through energy efficiency and waste reduction.
Monitoring GHG emissions is an important part of corporate responsibility and sustainability and can help businesses manage risk, reduce costs, and play a significant role in the fight against climate change.
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How GHGSat can help in the reduction of greenhouse gases
GHGSat uses remote sensing technology on satellites and aircraft to monitor point source greenhouse gas emissions. We work with a range of customers, including government agencies, energy companies, and other organizations that are interested in monitoring, mitigating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The services and products we offer include:
DATA.SAT: Our commercial satellite constellation from space identifies point sources of methane emissions down to the individual facility. This technology provides accurate detection, measurement and year-round monitoring of methane emissions. The GHGSat satellites provide consistent and reliable intelligence on methane emissions data to organizations, governments and financial services worldwide.
DATA.AIR: Our satellite technology has been adapted to aircraft and accurately detects and measures methane emissions right to the individual source. It is a cost-effective and safe alternative to frequent ground-based monitoring operations.
Global Survey: Leverage third-party and public satellite data near industrial sites. Be the first to know if industial facilities are emitting methane detectable by public satellites with GHGSat’s Global Survey service.
SPECTRA: Measuring and managing methane emissions requires a fully integrated view of your data. SPECTRA centralizes all of GHGSat’s products and services into a clean and intuitive interface to allow for easy emissions data management and communication.
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Contact Us Today
Our emission intelligence products and services are designed to empower greenhouse gas-intensive industries and governments to achieve their emission reduction goals.
GHGSat is already serving different industries in the United States with accurate and timely emissions data to help inform organizations’ emission reduction programs. GHGSat flies quarterly aerial emissions monitoring campaigns in the largest US basins, and its satellite constellation is providing continuous monitoring of oil & gas assets, landfills, and coal mines across the United States.
Improve the environmental performance of your business with GHGSat.
Contact GHGSat today to get started.
