The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), launched at the COP 27, is a data-to-action platform set up as part of the UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) strategy to get policy-relevant data into the right hands for emissions mitigation.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, contributing at least a quarter of today’s climate warming. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we must cut methane emissions at least 30% by 2030 – the goal of the Global Methane Pledge – to keep the 1.5°C temperature limit within reach.
Reducing methane emissions can make a big and rapid difference, as this gas leaves the atmosphere far quicker than carbon dioxide. The Methane Alert and Response System is a big step in helping governments and companies deliver on this important short-term climate goal.
… said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP
As explained, MARS will be the first publicly available global system capable of transparently connecting methane detection to notification processes. It will use state-of-the-art satellite data to identify major emission events, notify relevant stakeholders, and support and track mitigation progress.
Beginning with very large point sources from the energy sector, MARS will integrate data from the rapidly expanding system of methane-detecting satellites to include lower-emitting area sources and more frequent detection. Data on coal, waste, livestock and rice will be added gradually to MARS to support Global Methane Pledge implementation.
Cutting methane is the fastest opportunity to reduce warming and keep 1.5°C within reach, and this new alert and response system is going to be a critical tool for helping all of us deliver on the Global Methane Pledge,
…said John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
MARS will use data from global mapping satellites to identify very large methane plumes and methane hot spots and data from high-resolution satellites to then attribute the emissions to a specific source. UNEP will then notify governments and companies about the emissions, either directly or through partners, so that the responsible entity can take appropriate action.
If requested, MARS partners will provide technical or advisory services such as help in assessing mitigation opportunities. UNEP will continue to monitor the event location and make the data and analysis available to the public between 45 and 75 days after detection.
With regard to maritime industry, methane slip is the main argument of those who stand against LNG as a potential solution to decarbonization. Methane slip refers to the escape of methane gas from LNG production, processing, transport, operation or combustion, and is of primary concern due to its increased Global Warming Potential (GWP) over other GHG emissions. For examplie, methane emissions in the atmosphere can trap solar radiation more than CO2, a recent ABS paper highlighted.
Because of upstream methane leakage and downstream methane slip, even when using 100% renewable LNG, absolute methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships would double from 2019 to 2030, a report by ICCT showed, suggesting other fuel options, like green methanol, as more attractive solutions.
