Reducing damage using satellite technology
Greenhouse gases cause significant changes in Earth’s climate by trapping heat from the sun reflected off the Earth’s surface and preventing it from escaping the atmosphere. This process maintains Earth’s temperature at a level suitable for the emergence and sustenance of life. However, the concentration of these gasses has increased markedly since the Industrial Revolution, leading to a noticeable rise in the overall temperature of the planet.
While carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas, other gasses also contribute to the greenhouse effect, including methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbons, ozone-depleting substances, and water vapor. These gasses cause clear changes in Earth’s climate, with some lasting effects for hundreds of years, necessitating international efforts to reduce their accumulation in the atmosphere. Methane, a highly flammable gas, is one of the most dangerous greenhouse gasses, being approximately 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It remains stable in the atmosphere for about nine years, which is shorter than some other long-lived greenhouse gasses, as methane oxidizes in the atmosphere.
Methane gas is responsible for approximately 30% of the global temperature increase. This gas results from leaks in fossil fuel facilities, as well as other human-made sources such as livestock farming and landfills. Methane is highly effective at trapping heat, possessing a much greater heat-trapping capability than carbon dioxide over a shorter time frame, making it a significant climate concern.
الخطورة
?What makes methane gas an environmental challenge
- Climate Change: Methane gas contributes to sudden and lasting climate change.
- Temperature Rise: The warming associated with methane leaks can lead to severe climatic changes.
- Urgent Action Needed: Methane emissions and concentrations in the atmosphere have continued to rise, requiring immediate action.
Accurate Emission Monitoring: Identifying major methane emission sources.
Targeted Alerts: Sending alerts to countries and companies regarding significant emissions.
Tracking Progress: Monitoring progress in emission reduction over time.
In the future, satellites will play a crucial role in reducing methane emissions. The United Nations has introduced the Methane Alarm and Response System (MARS), which will use satellite map data to identify methane sources and alert countries and companies about significant emissions. This technology will help relevant authorities track progress in reducing emissions.
Saudi Arabia has allocated $2.2 billion for a Green Initiative in the Middle East with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Taking action now with early methane emission reductions could significantly improve the feasibility of limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, urgent steps are needed to lower the Earth’s temperature and ensure a more sustainable future.
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