MethaneSAT: The EDF Satellite Tracking Methane Emissions from Oil & Gas Operations
Jul 31, 2024
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Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, dives into the groundbreaking MethaneSAT satellite designed to track methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. He shares why EDF ventured into satellite technology and the unique capabilities of MethaneSAT powered by AI. The discussion highlights impactful partnerships with companies like McDonald's and Walmart to foster sustainability. Krupp also reveals the challenges faced during the project's $90 million fundraising effort and the growing urgency for climate action.
The launch of MethaneSAT aims for a 75% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030, providing crucial data for accountability.
EDF emphasizes collaborative partnerships with major corporations to implement sustainable practices, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing environmental footprints.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Methane-SAT Launch
A new satellite has been launched to monitor methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, aiming to achieve a 75% reduction in methane pollution globally by 2030. Methane is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, being responsible for about one-third of current global temperature increases. This satellite represents a first-of-its-kind effort to provide empirical data on methane emissions, addressing a critical gap in existing monitoring systems. Previous estimates of methane emissions have often been inaccurate, highlighting the need for reliable data to inform climate action.
Collaboration with Businesses for Environmental Impact
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) employs a collaborative approach, engaging with corporations to help them reduce their environmental footprints. For instance, EDF reduced McDonald's solid waste by 40% in the 1990s, demonstrating the effectiveness of constructive partnerships. EDF Plus Business, a key initiative, facilitates collaboration with major companies like Walmart and FedEx to implement sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions. Such partnerships aim to align business profitability with environmental responsibility.
Theory of Change and Data Empowerment
The theory behind the satellite initiative relies on the belief that increased transparency and data availability will drive behavioral change among corporations, investors, and governments. By disclosing methane emissions data, organizations can be held accountable, prompting them to take corrective actions. The satellite's data will provide insights not only to oil companies but also to regulatory bodies and importers of liquefied natural gas, encouraging stricter emission regulations. This data-driven approach underscores the importance of accountability in the fight against climate change.
Innovations in Satellite Technology and Future Utility
The Methane SAT offers unique advantages compared to other satellites, including broader coverage and higher resolution, enabling the detection of methane leaks across large oil basins. It aims to provide free access to its data, fostering transparency and allowing a wide range of potential applications by researchers and policymakers. Collaboration among various institutions, including Harvard and Stanford, has played a crucial role in its development to enhance monitoring capabilities. The ongoing focus on processing and distributing this data will be essential for achieving the ambitious methane reduction goals set for the next decade.
Fred Krupp, president of the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), describes EDF’s work to address climate change through scientific, economic, and legal analyses, working with
governments and companies, and public and legal advocacy for stronger climate and other environmental practices and policies. Fred joined us to talk about MethaneSAT, EDF’s new satellite that was recently launched to monitor emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from oil and gas operations. Fred describes why EDF entered the satellite business, how its satellite differs from others already in orbit, the many partners EDF enlisted to design and
deploy the satellite, how AI is deployed in the process, and what new opportunities this satellite will provide for EDF and the rest of us.
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