Google Partners with Environmental Defense Fund to Map Methane Emissions from Space

In a groundbreaking initiative, Google has announced its collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund to launch a satellite project aimed at mapping methane levels across the globe. Set to launch in March, this satellite will orbit the Earth at a height of 300 miles, completing 15 orbits daily.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to global warming due to its heat-trapping properties. While methane emissions originate from various sources such as agriculture and waste disposal, the focus of this project will be on emissions from oil and gas facilities. These facilities often release methane through burning or venting during extraction processes.

Google’s advanced artificial intelligence tools will process the data captured by the satellite to create a comprehensive methane map. This map will pinpoint methane leaks in oil and gas infrastructure worldwide. However, Google clarified that it will not directly notify the companies responsible for significant leaks. Instead, the information will be made available to governments and regulators, empowering them to enforce necessary changes.

Notably, there is currently no international regulation specifically targeting methane emissions. However, the European Union has proposed measures to reduce methane emissions, including mandatory leak repairs for oil and gas operators and a ban on flaring in coal sectors by 2025.

Google’s methane map will be accessible through its Earth Engine platform, providing valuable insights into global methane emissions. While the data will not be real-time, updates will be sent from the satellite periodically.

This initiative builds upon previous efforts such as the European Space Agency’s Tropomi satellite instrument, launched in 2017. Tropomi tracks trace gases in the atmosphere, including methane. Carbon Mapper, utilizing Tropomi data, identified significant methane plumes in regions like Turkmenistan, Russia, and the United States. However, cloud cover limited data collection in countries like Canada and China.

Google aims to complement existing tools with its methane mapping project, bridging gaps in global methane emission monitoring. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and collaboration with environmental organizations, Google strives to contribute to climate action by addressing methane emissions on a global scale.

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