#USA #Pasadena #Methane Emissions #Carbon Mapper #Planet Labs

Carbon Mapper Partners with California

In an exciting development for environmental monitoring and climate action, Carbon Mapper, a non-profit organization based in Pasadena, has been chosen to work with the State of California through its Satellite Data Purchase Program. This initiative aims to utilize advanced satellite technology to effectively track and reduce methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate change.

Carbon Mapper has joined forces with Planet Labs PBC, leveraging their innovative Tanager-1 satellites launched in August 2024. These satellites are equipped with state-of-the-art remote sensing technology developed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The unique capabilities of the Tanager satellites allow them to map out priority regions with a high spatial resolution of 30 meters and wide area coverage, pinpointing methane sources down to a facility scale of about 50 meters.

The partnership is a part of California's ambitious goal to reduce its methane emissions by 40% by the year 2030, compared to levels recorded in 2013. Methane, known for its potent warming effect, can significantly contribute to atmospheric greenhouse gases if not managed properly. Recognizing this, California's state officials are taking advantage of innovative remote sensing technology to gather critical data that will drive effective mitigation actions against methane emissions.

Riley Duren, the CEO of Carbon Mapper, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "It's a privilege being selected to support California's methane reduction goals, and an exciting milestone with long-term benefits for communities across the state." He further commended California's leadership in climate action, underlining the importance of satellite remote-sensing in addressing environmental challenges.

The Tanager satellites will provide essential data to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ensuring that the state has access to accurate, timely information on methane emissions. The initial data shared by Carbon Mapper has already led to rapid mitigation activities through effective leak detection methods. Previous airborne remote sensing efforts by Carbon Mapper have revealed numerous high-emission sources, with nearly half of these leaks being addressed voluntarily by operators in the oil, gas, and waste sectors.

Utilizing advanced hyperspectral imaging, Carbon Mapper analyzes the data to generate plume images alongside coordinates and emission rate estimates for methane emissions. This level of detail is crucial in tracking emissions over time and attributing them to specific facilities or infrastructure, ultimately paving the way for direct ground-level mitigation strategies.

As the project unfolds, California stands poised as a leader in leveraging cutting-edge technology to address critical environmental impact. The partnership with Carbon Mapper is not merely about collecting data; it represents a commitment to translating that information into actionable steps that can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

In summary, this collaboration exemplifies how technology and teamwork can converge to combat pressing global issues like climate change. As the data from the Tanager satellites continues to roll out, both Carbon Mapper and California officials are optimistic that these groundbreaking initiatives will create a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations. For those interested in more information or accessing the data, updates can be found at carbonmapper.org.