Chapter 1: Understanding Methane Emissions

Recent advancements in space technology are providing innovative ways to deepen our understanding of climate change.

A significant amount of methane released annually from oil and gas extraction in the Permian Basin of the southern United States contributes to atmospheric changes. This human-induced methane exacerbates global warming, which in turn accelerates the thawing of Arctic permafrost, leading to the release of ancient, frozen methane as microbes become active. Through extensive satellite data, researchers can now identify these critical areas of methane release.

Methane ranks as the second most prevalent greenhouse gas, following carbon dioxide. While CO2 accounts for more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions, methane contributes about 10%. At first glance, the latter's percentage may appear manageable, but it actually equates to approximately 600 million metric tons of emissions entering the atmosphere.

Methane is produced through three main processes:

1. Fossil Fuel Production: It is emitted as a byproduct during the extraction and processing of crude oil, natural gas, and coal.
2. Biological and Agricultural Activities: This includes emissions from large-scale livestock farming, decomposing organic matter in landfills, wetlands, and even from termites.
3. Wildfires: Methane is also released during the combustion of vegetation, whether through natural events or intentional land clearing.

The ability of satellites to capture images of atmospheric methane allows us to accurately identify locations with the highest concentrations of this gas.

In the fight against climate change, satellite technology is becoming indispensable. With the anticipated launch of MethaneSAT in 2022, these tools will play an increasingly vital role. Initially, however, companies like GHGSat utilized satellites primarily to assist fossil fuel industries in detecting methane leaks from their operations.

A research paper by Joust A. De Gouw et al. from January 2020 highlights that:

“Methane emissions stem from (i) fossil fuel production, (ii) microbial activities in wetlands and agriculture, and (iii) biomass combustion. Due to an imbalance between methane sources and sinks, the atmospheric concentration has surged from a pre-industrial level of 722 ppbv to approximately 1850 ppbv today. Given its relatively short atmospheric lifespan of 9.1 years, reducing methane emissions can significantly mitigate climate change effects in a short timeframe.”

De Gouw's team analyzed data from the EU’s TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) aboard the Copernicus Sentinel 5 Precursor satellite, confirming substantial methane accumulation over regions in California, Florida, the Midwest, and Texas, correlating with high fossil fuel extraction and agricultural activity.

In June 2020, Karen Jones and Dr. David Tratt authored a white paper proposing that California could pioneer efforts to manage greenhouse gas emissions effectively. By employing a blend of ground sensors, aerial monitoring, and satellite data, they aim to enhance our understanding of methane emissions from fossil fuel operations. This comprehensive approach seeks to optimize methods for capturing and reducing methane emissions, thereby improving the efficiency of our energy systems.

Tratt and Jones assert that current methane emission inventories in the United States are likely underestimated due to fragmented measurement techniques. They recommend:

“A practical approach would involve routine data collection across various platforms to integrate airborne and ground-based measurements with satellite data, addressing gaps in fine-scale processes not observable from space…[We] can initiate efforts to gather, integrate, and disseminate actionable information on methane emissions, proposing policies and practices that could be scaled nationally and internationally. This initiative will facilitate the measurement of outcomes and the immediate reduction of point-source emissions as we strive to meet climate goals and enhance air quality for all.”

Space technologies have been offering new insights into our planet since the 1960s and will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges. While combating methane emissions is crucial, we must also explore strategies to safeguard against potential existential threats to life on Earth.

Investors Capt. Franz Almeida and Junaid Mian RPh recognize the magnitude of the challenges ahead in space technology. Their venture fund, SP8CEVC, focuses on innovations that benefit humanity both on Earth and in space, including advancements in human longevity.

The satellite technologies that enhance our understanding of methane will also be essential as we contemplate terraforming Mars and exploring beyond our Solar System. The SP8CEVC team is committed to laying the groundwork for this thrilling future, and opportunities abound for others to contribute as well.

Chapter 2: Monitoring Methane Emissions from Space

This video titled "Google-backed satellite to track global oil industry methane emissions" discusses advancements in satellite technology that monitor methane emissions specifically from the oil sector.

In this video titled "Monitoring methane from space," experts explore how satellite technology is utilized to track and analyze methane levels in the atmosphere.