The satellite helping slow climate change — right now | Millie Chu Baird
Jul 24, 2024
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Environmental advocate, Millie Chu Baird, discusses the importance of tracking global methane emissions using the MethaneSat satellite to combat climate change. This technology provides real-time data to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas facilities, with the goal of inspiring global change.
Understanding methane sources is vital for climate change action.
MethaneSat enables precise tracking of global methane emissions.
Deep dives
Monitoring Methane Emissions with MethaneSat
MethaneSat, an innovative satellite designed by environmental advocate Millie Chu Baird, aims to track methane emissions with precision. Methane, a potent contributor to climate change, is targeted by this technology to enable quick data access for timely action. By identifying sources such as cows, landfills, and oil/gas leaks, MethaneSat provides a comprehensive view of methane emissions worldwide. The satellite's advanced spectrometers offer unique capabilities in detecting even the smallest concentrations of methane, supporting efforts to significantly reduce methane pollution.
Addressing Methane Pollution and Promoting Change
The implementation of MethaneSat heralds a new era in methane emission control, offering insights into emission fluctuations over time. This initiative not only emphasizes technical solutions but also focuses on changing human behavior regarding methane reduction. With the Environmental Defense Fund leading the advocacy, MethaneSat revolutionizes environmental initiatives by fostering transparency and accountability in reducing methane emissions globally. The collaboration of companies, governments, and nonprofits in utilizing MethaneSat data showcases a unified effort towards achieving a 75% reduction in methane emissions from oil and gas facilities within six years.
Meet MethaneSAT: the satellite circling Earth right now to track global emissions from methane: a highly potent, short-term greenhouse gas. Environmental advocate Millie Chu Baird details the heat-trapping side effects of a planet full of methane — and explains why understanding where it comes from and taking steps to reduce it is the single most important thing we can do to affect climate change in our lifetimes. (MethaneSAT is part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)