Google, in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), is set to enhance the monitoring of methane emissions, a potent contributor to global warming, using advanced satellite imagery and artificial intelligence (AI). Methane, accounting for approximately 30% of the increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution, primarily emanates from the energy sector.
The upcoming initiative builds on the duo’s previous efforts, which involved mapping methane leaks in cities via sensors on Street View cars. The new project, powered by MethaneSAT, aims to deliver an unprecedented global overview of methane emissions. MethaneSAT, scheduled for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in early March, will orbit Earth 15 times daily, focusing on the top oil- and gas-producing regions.
This satellite’s unique capability to image both large and small sources of methane emissions will be complemented by Google Cloud-powered algorithms and AI. These technologies will identify emissions hotspots and the infrastructure associated with them, such as storage containers and pump jacks, enhancing the accuracy of methane mapping similar to how Google Maps identifies roads and signs.
The comprehensive data, including methane levels and the locations of oil and gas infrastructure, will be made public via the satellite’s website and Google Earth Engine later this year. This initiative aims to provide energy companies with the necessary insights to address and reduce methane leaks.
Yael Maguire, Google’s vice president and general manager of Geo Developer and Sustainability, emphasized the project’s potential to foster a better understanding of the correlation between human activities and environmental impact. By making this information accessible, Google and the EDF hope to contribute significantly to global efforts in combating climate change.
