The United Nations is making notable advancements in detecting significant methane leaks, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has disclosed that the use of satellite tracking has enhanced the identification of these emissions, although only about 12 percent of alerts triggered by these systems are being addressed by companies and governments. Methane is known to possess up to 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year span, highlighting the critical need for action against these emissions.
In 2022, UNEP introduced the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), a dedicated satellite tracking tool aimed at identifying unintentional methane leaks from oil and gas operations. This system provides free and accurate emissions data, which is vital since methane is odorless and invisible, making it difficult to detect. Such technology enables timely responses from relevant authorities.
A recent report from UNEP’s International Methane Observatory revealed a modest rise in responses to alerts—from one percent to 12 percent over the past year. This increase signals a growing recognition and commitment to addressing methane emissions; however, UNEP underscores that significantly more action is necessary to achieve the international target of cutting methane emissions by one-third by 2030.
Inger Andersen, the head of UNEP, underscored the urgent need to accelerate efforts to lower methane emissions, which could offer immediate climate benefits while facilitating ongoing decarbonization initiatives. She called on the oil and gas sector to fully participate in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, a global framework focused on accurately measuring and mitigating methane emissions, which is critically important for regulatory measures in significant markets, including the European Union.
Moreover, the MARS system is set to broaden its monitoring reach to encompass emissions from coal mines and waste sites, areas that have traditionally lacked effective measurement systems. UNEP is also intensifying its attention on methane emissions from the steel industry, which largely relies on coal, noting that economical solutions for reducing emissions in steelmaking are not being adequately utilized in current decarbonization efforts.
This proactive approach by UNEP highlights a commitment to not only monitor but also actively reduce methane emissions. There is a sense of optimism that with better tracking technology and coordinated actions from countries and industries, substantial progress can be made in combating climate change in the short term. The collaborative initiatives and joint efforts reflected in this undertaking may prove critical to the global challenge of climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable future.