Human activity has resulted in an increase in greenhouse gas levels such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the planet’s atmosphere. These kinds of gases trap heat and lead to what is referred to as the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon causes the Earth to warm up, which has resulted in a variety of harmful impacts on our environment, including increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels and unnatural changes to biodiversity [ref].
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the scientific consensus is that human activities are the main cause of the current global warming trend. The IPCC has warned that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures could rise by up to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, leading to catastrophic consequences [ref]. With this in mind, it is crucial that we take action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
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GHG from pre-industrial times to the present
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have resulted in an unprecedented increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, has been the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), fossil fuel combustion was responsible for approximately 89% of global CO2 emissions from human activities in 2019. The burning of coal, in particular, is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020 [ref].
Coal mining is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, both through the combustion of coal and the emissions released during the mining process. According to the IPCC , coal mining and handling accounted for approximately 10% of global anthropogenic methane emissions in 2010 [ref].
Landfills are another source of greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, decomposes in landfills, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfills were responsible for approximately 15% of total US methane emissions in 2019.
Other industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the IEA , industrial processes accounted for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions in 2019.
Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, coal mining, waste management, and industrial processes have contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. These emissions are a primary cause of climate change, and urgent action is needed to reduce them and mitigate their impacts.
Rise of Methane Emissions
Methane emissions have risen significantly due to human activity, and agriculture is one of the major contributors to these emissions. Some of the main sources of methane emissions from human activities include oil and gas production and transportation, coal mining, landfills, waste management, and agriculture [ref].
Oil and gas production and transportation are the largest industrial source of methane emissions, accounting for approximately 30% of total methane emissions in the United States in 2020 [ref]. Coal mining is also a significant source of methane emissions, and landfills and waste management contribute to methane emissions from organic waste decomposition [ref]. Power plants are another source of methane emissions, primarily from leaks and losses during the transportation and storage of natural gas [ref].
In the agricultural sector, livestock farming and rice cultivation are significant sources of methane emissions. Ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and goats produce methane during digestion, which is released into the atmosphere through belching. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, enteric fermentation from livestock farming accounted for approximately 39% of global methane emissions from agriculture in 2020 [ref].
It is crucial to monitor methane emissions because of its potent greenhouse gas effects. Even small leaks or emissions of methane can have a significant impact on the Earth’s climate. Monitoring can help identify sources of emissions and develop strategies to reduce or mitigate them.
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The Global Methane Pledge
The Global Methane Pledge aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by the year 2030 compared to 2020 levels. This reduction is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the rate of global warming, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Achieving the Global Methane Pledge would help to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is the target set by the Paris Agreement on climate change. This is because reducing methane emissions can have a more immediate and significant impact on global warming than reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which persist in the atmosphere for much longer.
The Global Methane Pledge is based on the recognition that reducing methane emissions from various sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management can be achieved using existing technologies and practices, and that these reductions can be achieved quickly and at a relatively low cost.
Monitoring methane emissions is crucial in mitigating climate change because it helps businesses, industries, and governments understand the sources, levels, and trends of this gas in the atmosphere. This information can then be used to develop and implement effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Monitoring methane emissions also helps to measure the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. By regularly monitoring methane levels, organizations and industries can track whether their emissions are decreasing over time and assess whether policies and measures are having the desired impact. This strategy is also important for detecting and responding to unexpected emissions sources, such as industrial accidents or leaks. Early detection of these sources can help prevent or mitigate their impact on the environment and human health.
Monitoring Methane Concentration with a Methane Map
GHGSat’s methane map is a map of methane concentrations created using data collected by public satellites and GHGSat satellites. We operate a fleet of satellites equipped with sensors that can detect methane emissions from various sources on Earth’s surface.
Our methane map, available for free on SPECTRA, shows the concentration of methane in different regions around the world. It helps visualize methane in the atmosphere from natural and industrial sources. The map is based on data collected over time, which allows for the identification of patterns, seasonality and trends in methane.
The GHGSat methane map is a valuable tool as it provides a high resolution view of methane concentrations of time anywhere in the world. This can help governments, industry, and other stakeholders to better understand methane emissions and to develop strategies to reduce them.
Technology in the fight against climate change
Satellite technology has revolutionized the way we monitor greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, and GHGSat is leading the way with its monitoring technology. GHGSat has developed high-resolution satellites capable of detecting and measuring methane emissions from various sources across the globe. Using the same satellite sensor technology adapted on aircraft, the company also measures methane emissions using aerial monitoring.
GHGSat’s commercial high-resolution satellites use a detection technology called spectrometer, which allows them to measure methane emissions with incredible precision. The satellites can detect methane emissions from individual facilities, such as oil and gas production sites, coal mines, power plants, and landfills, making it easier to identify and quantify sources of emissions.
By monitoring methane emissions from space, GHGSat’s technology can help identify sources of leaks or industrial sites that might be difficult or expensive to monitor using traditional ground-based methods. This can enable companies to get a clear view of all their assets frequently and take targeted actions to reduce or mitigate their methane emissions.
GHGSat’s technology has already been used in various applications onshore and offshore, such as detecting and quantifying methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, identifying methane sources worldwide. GHGSat emission monitoring technology can help monitor methane emissions from various sources with high precision, empowering companies with actionable data which allows them to identify and address sources of emissions.
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How GHGSat can help you reduce your methane emissions
GHGSat has the largest constellation of commercial satellites in orbit, equipped with sensors to detect and quantify methane emissions from industrial facilities and other sources worldwide. This technology can measure emissions in high-resolution, from individual sources, including small-scale facilities like single oil and gas wells or coal mines. The use of advanced optical sensors allows the technology to distinguish between different sources of emissions.
GHGSat’s DATA.SAT service provides customers with tailored satellite monitoring and detailed data reports on the location, timing, and intensity of emissions, allowing for near real-time tracking of sites for emissions. The service is customizable, allowing customers to select specific areas and facilities to monitor.
The technology has also been adapted to aircraft through the DATA.AIR service, providing a cost-effective and safe alternative to frequent ground-based monitoring operations. This technology offers a cost-effective and safe alternative to frequent ground-based monitoring operations.
GHGSat’s emissions intelligence platform, SPECTRA centralizes all of its data products and services, providing easy emissions management and a fully integrated view of methane emissions data and target industrial sites.
By using GHGSat’s services, organizations can gain a better understanding of their methane emissions, identify the sources of those emissions, and develop strategies to reduce them. The company provides data that empowers organizations to identify and address operational inefficiencies, resulting in cost savings, increased competitiveness, and improved stakeholder confidence.
Ultimately, by reducing methane emissions, organizations can lower their carbon footprint, improve their environmental performance, and reduce their exposure to climate-related risks. GHGSat is committed to providing valuable emissions data to industries, operators, governments, and stakeholders interested in understanding, mitigating, and reducing methane emissions.
