About Methane Alert and Response System:
- It is a data-to-action platform set up as part of UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) mission.
- It aims to put open, reliable and actionable data into the hands of those who can reduce emissions.
- It is the first public global satellite detection and notification system providing actionable data on very large methane emissions around the world.
- It was announced at the Conference of Parties (COP 27) in 2022 and began its initial pilot phase in 2023.
- Objective: It uses satellites to scan the globe for major emission sources and alerts countries and companies so that they can take methane action and accelerate progress supporting the Paris Agreement and Global Methane Pledge.
- Working of Methane Alert and Response System:
- Detection of large sources of human-caused methane emissions.
- Notification of relevant countries and companies about these detected emissions.
- Response from notified stakeholders to address the emissions.
- Tracking progress of actions taken to reduce emissions and collaboration to prevent future methane.
What is the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)?
- It was launched at the G20 Leaders Summit in 2021.
- It focused initially on emissions of Methane from the fossil industry.
- It reconciles methane data from scientific measurement studies, satellites through the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories.
- The Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) is UNEP’s flagship programme that includes a partnership of companies to improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions data from the oil and gas sector through a committed framework.
