MethaneSat Satellite Exposes Underreported Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Industry
The MethaneSat, an $88 million satellite, tracked methane emissions before going dark after 15 months. An analysis by the Environmental Defense Fund reveals that global emissions from the oil and gas sector are 50% higher than reported figures. The satellite collected data from 221 scenes across 45 regions, highlighting significant discrepancies in emission reporting and the urgent need for improved monitoring and regulation.
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The MethaneSat, designed to track methane emissions, ceased operations in July after about 15 months in orbit. Despite its short lifespan, it revealed that methane emissions from the oil and gas industry are 50% higher than reported figures.
The Environmental Defense Fund's analysis used data from 221 scenes across 45 regions, showing emissions from low-producing wells account for 40% of emissions in areas with less than 7% of fossil fuel production. While emissions from oil-focused basins were 30% lower than reported, the findings underscore the need for enhanced emissions monitoring and regulation.
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