As part of a global effort to slow climate change by getting rid of methane, the UN announced today a new satellite-based system that will find methane emissions and let governments and businesses take action.

Launched at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference, the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) is a data-to-action platform that is part of the UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) strategy to get policy-relevant data into the hands of those who can use it to reduce emissions.

Methane is a strong greenhouse gas that is responsible for at least a quarter of the warming of the climate today. The goal of the Global Methane Pledge is to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030. This is what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we need to do to keep the 1.5°C temperature limit in reach.

With initial support from the European Commission, the United States Government, the Global Methane Hub, and the Bezos Earth Fund, MARS was developed as part of the Global Methane Pledge Energy Pathway to help UNEP verify business emissions and assess trends over time. The International Energy Agency and the UN Environment Programme’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition will be among the many organisations working together to put MARS into action.

“As UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report showed before this climate summit, the world is far off track on efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C,” says Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“Reducing methane emissions can make a big and rapid difference, as this gas leaves the atmosphere far quicker than carbon dioxide. The Methane Alert and Response System is a big step in helping governments and companies deliver on this important short-term climate goal.”

The Global Methane Hub and the Bezos Earth Fund are contributing to additional UNEP IMEO efforts in addition to their support for MARS. These include background research and early work on agricultural methane emissions, where it is anticipated that combining multi-scale ground measurements with expanding satellite capacity will improve quantification.

First global methane detection-notification system

MARS will be the first globally accessible system that can integrate methane detection and notification procedures in a transparent manner. It will identify significant emission events, alert relevant parties, and support and monitor mitigation activities using cutting-edge satellite data.

MARS will incorporate data from the quickly growing system of methane-detecting satellites to cover lower-emitting area sources and more frequent detection, starting with extremely big point sources from the energy sector. Data on rice, garbage, cattle, and coal will eventually be added to MARS to help the implementation of the Global Methane Pledge.

“Cutting methane is the fastest opportunity to reduce warming and keep 1.5°C within reach, and this new alert and response system is going to be a critical tool for helping all of us deliver on the Global Methane Pledge,” says John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

Methane Alert and Response System components

In order to pinpoint the origin of massive methane plumes and methane hotspots, MARS will analyse satellite imagery from orbit. Then, either directly or through partners, UNEP will inform companies and governments about the emissions so that the accountable party can take the necessary action.

MARS partners will offer technical or consulting services, such as assistance in evaluating mitigation alternatives, upon request. Between 45 and 75 days following detection, UNEP will keep an eye on the event’s location and release the data and analysis to the public.

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