New satellite images reveal the world’s worst polluters: ‘Now we really know exactly where it’s coming from’

An environmental intelligence company, Kayrros, has used satellite imagery to identify the 1,300 largest methane-polluting sites on the planet. This breakthrough provides both a call to action and an opportunity to address the issue. Kayrros’ satellite surveillance has finally uncovered the exact sources of potent planet-warming pollution. “Previously, we could measure the amount of methane in the atmosphere, but now we really know exactly where it’s coming from,” shared Antoine Rostand, co-founder of Kayrros, with Sky News. Tracking down the sources of these polluting leaks has brought Kayrros to gas wells, pipelines, coal mines, and waste sites in countries including Turkmenistan, India, Russia, Australia, and the United States. With the identification of the “who” and “where,” targeted reduction can now be pursued. Methane, a greenhouse gas, can alter Earth’s temperature and has an intense effect during its approximate decade-long presence in the atmosphere. Therefore, addressing methane leaks can have an immediate impact not only on global temperature rises but also on air quality and public health. Efforts by researchers, such as those at MIT, are being made to develop methods for capturing escaped methane from the atmosphere. The U.S. has recently introduced national methane monitoring and repair policies that aim to eliminate 58 million tons of toxic gas over 15 years, marking a significant victory in the fight against climate change. Moreover, more than 150 governments worldwide have joined the Global Methane Pledge, committed to reducing methane output by 30% by 2030. If achieved, this pledge could effectively curtail rising temperatures and prevent an estimated 250,000 heat-related deaths annually, as projected by the World Health Organization. With the exact sources of methane leaks now visible from space, a clear path towards a cooler future has been illuminated. Kayrros plans to continue its monitoring and share its findings with the world. “Open-access climate data has a huge role to play in the climate crisis by holding governments and businesses to account,” Rostand explained, as reported by InsideEcology. “We intend to increase access to climate data and enhance the understanding of the harm caused by methane, as well as the failure of many governments and organizations to accurately report their emissions.” For more news and actionable information to support both personal well-being and the planet, sign up for our free newsletter.

Author: OpenAI