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Methane
Methane traps roughly 86 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. The greenhouse gas is powerful yet short-lived. If we reduce methane emissions now, we can tackle the second-biggest contributor to climate change in our lifetimes.
Waste sites emit vast amounts of methane and are located all over the world. But there is limited information about which waste sites are the highest emitters, and the root causes of emissions are not well known.
To reduce emissions in the waste sector, we need to get a handle on the exact sources of methane.
Tracking an
Invisible Risk
Waste methane is quickly
warming the planet.
It’s entirely possible to detect,
measure, and manage methane.
Big Problem,
Targeted Solution
While the scale of this challenge may seem daunting, studies show that a small fraction of sites tend to be responsible for a disproportionate amount of methane emissions.
370 million cars
Did you know?
An estimated 68 million metric tons of methane from waste, primarily solid waste, are released each year, the carbon dioxide equivalent of roughly 370 million cars.
Big Problem,
Targeted Solution
While the scale of this challenge may seem daunting, studies show that a small fraction of sites tend to be responsible for a disproportionate amount of methane emissions.
Knowing exactly where these emissions are coming from, down to the level of an individual facility or a piece of equipment, can inform the best solutions to tackle the problem.
Did you know?
Methane emissions from landfills and dumpsites are largely out of sight and out of mind. The waste sector accounts for 18% of human-caused methane emissions globally.
With adequate financing and incentives, research shows that it’s technically feasible to reduce methane emissions from municipal solid waste by 80% within this decade.
We Detect
and Quantify
Waste Sector Emissions
Carbon Mapper pinpoints the exact sources of waste methane using advanced remote sensing technology and analytics. We quantify waste facility methane emissions and provide insights into the root causes.
This information enables landfill operators, policymakers, or regulators to take informed action toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We focus on identifying the small fraction of waste sites with large potential for emissions reductions.
Dive deeper
To learn more about this issue, check out this podcast with Dr. Eugene Tseng, a waste management researcher.
How it Works
Advanced satellite and airborne remote sensing technologies survey thousands of waste sites and provide precise information about the location and quantity of methane emitted from individual sites.
With more satellites, continuous and systematic methane monitoring will allow us to map emission sources around the world and accurately assess emission trends.
The more frequently we sample, the better we’re able to inform action to mitigate methane emissions and achieve sustainability goals.
Our data pinpoints the sources of emissions for waste site operators, helping them prioritize mitigation efforts and investments.
This data also informs policymakers, regulators, and the general public.
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