Global methane map launched at COP28
An open-access methane map will be launched at COP28 in a bid to accelerate reductions in the greenhouse gas, which is second only to carbon dioxide as a cause of global warming. Environmental intelligence company Kayrros will launch the live map, which draws insights from its flagship product Methane Watch.
Kairos, which was recently named one of the 100 most influential companies in the world by TIME magazine, says it has played a key role in recent years in highlighting and correcting flaws in climate reporting and urging concrete action on methane emissions and so-called super emitters. In particular.
Earlier this year, it was part of a major revelation of massive methane leaks in Turkmenistan, leading to ongoing remedial talks between its government and representatives from the United States. The company has also discovered giant plumes of methane in neighboring Kazakhstan, plumes previously described as “hot steam.”
With the new methane map, Kairos says it aims to make climate data more accessible, giving governments, international institutions, investors, insurance companies and individuals the ability to examine, verify emissions data and uncover “greenwashing.” Users will be able to get insights at every level, from broad regional overviews down to specific facilities. Users can also access broad inventories across different asset classes.
(Above) View of country-level emissions (click to enlarge).
Antoine Rostand, president and co-founder of Kiros, said public pressure could force governments and companies to take the urgent action needed to prevent climate catastrophe.
“Accessible climate data has a huge role to play in the climate crisis by holding governments and companies accountable,” he said.
“But to do this effectively, we need accurate, independent and empirical data. That’s what we’re providing with this new, freely available extension to our Methane Watch product.”
“We intend to increase access to climate data and increase basic knowledge and understanding of the damage caused by methane and the failure of many governments and organizations to accurately report their emissions.
“Methane emissions can be addressed relatively easily. Doing so will have a significant impact. With the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) approaching and methane reduction a major focus of the conference, we stand to benefit from increased public awareness and attention to this devastating greenhouse gas.”
Recent studies conducted by the company include results showing that there are twice as many super methane emission events per unit of production on the Texas side of the Permian Basin as there are in New Mexico. The data also showed that only in Texas were there sites with chronic leaks, suggesting that New Mexico’s historic methane-reduction regulations, introduced in 2021, had the intended effect.
The news came as Europe approved major laws to limit methane emissions from EU gas imports – which will put pressure on US fossil fuel suppliers to cut leaks of the powerful greenhouse gas.
The company says its methodology and data quality have been validated in numerous peer-reviewed studies.
This year, the company called for a total ban on ultra-high emissions, arguing that it would be easy and relatively cheap to achieve. Rapid reductions in methane emissions from fossil fuels could lead to a 0.1°C reduction in global temperature rise by mid-century – equivalent to the emissions impact of immediately taking all the world’s cars and trucks off the roads, Kyros added.
Data from Kairos are now used by a number of global bodies, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory.
Kayrros’ flagship product, Methane Watch, of which Methane Map is a subsidiary, will continue to provide exclusive data and insights to the company’s customers.
