How did the White House Super Pollutant Summit highlight data-driven solutions?

The summit came at a critical moment when the world’s methane ambition must be translated to climate action if we are to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.

UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report makes clear that the lights are blinking red on the world’s climate dashboard and reducing methane emissions is our fastest lever to immediately slow the current rate of warming as we decarbonise.

And the need for credible data was front-and-center. From the announcement of new launches and fresh support of next-generation satellite missions like Carbon Mapper and MethaneSAT to innovative policies and increased financing.

The summit offered a wide view of the range of solutions being lined up to help the world harness a methane data revolution to slash emissions.

This White House factsheet has a complete run-down.

What news did UNEP’s IMEO announce at the summit?

I’m pleased to share that the UNEP’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which puts satellite data directly into the hands of governments and companies so they can act, has seen significant new participation.

MARS now has nominated focal points in place – these are individuals designated to receive and direct data – representing countries where 2/3 of oil and gas emissions were detected by MARS in 2023.

As MARS continues to alert governments and companies of emissions, it’s critical that they follow through with solutions.

And this development marks significant progress in regions where strengthened engagement can make the most difference.

Altogether, the System now has dedicated focal points in place across governments and companies representing over 60% of global oil and gas production.

Will IMEO be integrating data from new satellite missions?

Yes! The data we provide to stakeholders will continue to improve thanks to the next-generation missions heading to orbit.

I’m happy to share that MARS will leverage data from both MethaneSAT and Carbon Mapper, once it is available, to expand the system’s reach and impact.

By providing integrated data across missions and sources, IMEO will continue to provide the world with the insights needed to drive rapid action in support of the Global Methane Pledge.

Can you explain how satellites fit into IMEO’s work?

Data from methane-detecting satellites is an important resource – and it’s one that’s growing more accurate and powerful with the launch of next generation missions.

IMEO integrates satellites into its work primarily through the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS).

MARS is the first global system the connects data from the world’s methane-detecting satellites directly to stakeholders so they can act to drive down emissions.

And it’s about more than just satellites. IMEO scientists have built a machine learning system that enables them to scan the globe for emissions 10X faster than otherwise – making rapid action possible.

This is the part of the unique value IMEO provides, bringing world-leading expertise to bear to make data accessible and actionable.

Zooming out, what is IMEO’s role in the methane ecosystem?

UNEP’s IMEO is a core implementer of the Global Methane Pledge – working alongside the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) which provides policy and implementation support for countries.

IMEO’s mission is to provide open, reliable, and actionable data to the individuals with the agency to reduce methane emissions.

And the methane data revolution I mentioned is making this possible, thanks to rapid growth in emissions monitoring and by heightened global attention coupled with innovative policymaking – such as new EU methane regulations with implications beyond the bloc as they enact standards for imported gas and require stronger reporting across supply chains.

IMEO’s role is to make this data revolution actionable, to ensure data is credible, and to integrate it across sources to enable climate action.