In and around Washington D.C., volunteers are working hard to check the air quality. They roam the streets and homes, using handheld monitors that look somewhat like walkie-talkies. These devices aren’t just for show; they have sensors that can measure levels of methane, an invisible gas that can pose serious health risks.
During recent testing, researchers uncovered 13 outdoor methane leaks over just 25 hours. Some of these leaks were dangerous, exceeding safe concentration levels. Worryingly, the volunteers also detected methane inside homes. The health implications are significant: gases like methane and nitrogen oxide, often released from gas stoves, can increase the risk of asthma. According to Djamila Bah, a health worker and community organizer, one in three children in the tested homes suffers from asthma. “It’s heartbreaking to find people living in such conditions,” she shares.
Methane not only endangers health but is also a potent greenhouse gas. Although it breaks down faster than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it is far more effective at trapping heat. Methane has been responsible for about one-quarter of the rise in global temperatures since the industrial era.
Sources of methane emissions are diverse, primarily coming from fossil fuels, agriculture, and waste management. It’s tricky to spot methane leaks because the gas is colorless and odorless. However, community researchers are using handheld sensors and infrared cameras to detect these emissions. Monitoring techniques can take place on the ground or from the air, including the use of drones. As Andreea Calcan from the International Methane Emissions Observatory points out, while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, the growth of affordable methane sensors means we can begin monitoring leaks without delay.
On a larger scale, satellites like the recently launched Tanager-1 are transforming our ability to identify methane super-emitters—those huge leaks from oil and gas operations. Current satellite technology focuses mainly on either large emissions or smaller, everyday sources like livestock farms. The Tanager-1 aims for high-resolution screening to accurately detect emissions, allowing for more precise tracking of where leaks happen.
While these advancements offer hope, satellites have their limitations, especially in challenging environments like snowy or vegetated areas. However, Tanager-1’s capabilities can help bridge these gaps by identifying emissions obscured by clouds or dense foliage. As Riley Duren of Carbon Mapper notes, pinpointing where methane comes from will be vital for accountability.
Since its launch, Carbon Mapper has shared data from Tanager-1, with plans for more satellites in the future, contingent on funding. Another significant project is MethaneSAT, launched by the Environmental Defense Fund with various partners. With these new technologies, we’re gaining a clearer picture of our methane emissions.
There’s an urgent need for better information about methane releases. Some energy companies have tried to hide emissions by using enclosed combustors. Yet translating data into action remains a challenge, as methane levels continue to rise. The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) detects leaks using satellite data and has already issued more than 1,200 alerts in its two years, though only a small percentage led to actual fixes.
Despite the slow response, there’s optimism. Some alerts have spurred repairs, even if companies didn’t report back. Meanwhile, community members, like those in D.C., are using their own readings to push back against misinformation and spur change. “Now that we know better, we can do better,” says Joelle Novey from Interfaith Power and Light.
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