In this episode, Sean leads us on a journey through the history of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory missions and the scientists whose work has utilized the data to find key insights about the natural and human-influenced carbon cycle.

This episode is being released due to the status of these missions being "on the chopping block" in the proposed NASA budget for 2026 by the Trump administration.

Keywords

carbon dioxide, climate change, Orbiting Carbon Observatory, NASA, greenhouse gases, carbon cycle, emissions measurement, Earth science, environmental monitoring, climate policy

How do you detect methane leaks from space? And once you do - what comes next?
In this episode, Dr. Ilse Aben shares the story of TROPOMI, the Dutch-led satellite instrument that scans the Earth daily for greenhouse gases. We explore how column measurements are turned into emissions, the power of'tip-and-cue' collaboration with commercial satellites, and how UN-backed systems are turning satellite data into climate action on the ground.

• SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research: https://www.sron.nl/

• TROPOMI: https://www.tropomi.eu/

• IMEO MARS Program: https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/climate-action/what-we-do/imeo

• GHGSat: https://www.ghgsat.com/

• Global Methane Hub: https://www.globalmethanehub.org/

Episode Outline01:00–04:00 | Scientific Background04:00–09:15 | From SCIAMACHY to TROPOMI09:15–16:00 | How Satellites Measure Methane16:00–20:00 | Methane Sources Explained20:00–25:00 | Diffuse vs. Point Sources25:00–30:00 | Super Emitters and the Tip-and-Cue Model30:00–35:00 | IMEO & Global Mitigation via Satellites35:00–39:00 | Waste Emissions and Monitoring in the Global South39:00–43:00 | What’s Next in Satellite Methane Monitoring43:00–End | Final ReflectionsKeywords

greenhouse gases, carbon sense, international cooperation, physics, spectroscopy, TROPOMI, satellite measurements

Summary

This conversation delves into the insights from the EO Summit, focusing on greenhouse gas monitoring and pipeline methane emissions. It highlights the advancements in Earth observation technology, the importance of data integration, and the challenges faced in monitoring emissions effectively. The discussion emphasizes the need for trust in data, the role of incentives in emissions reduction, and the collaborative efforts required to address these environmental challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Overview of the Earth Observation Summit

01:36 Insights on Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

05:52 Challenges in Pipeline Surveillance and Methane Emissions

08:21 The Role of Incentives in Emission Reduction

11:43 Exploring Carbon Footprint and Its Impact

Keywords

TerraWatch Space, EO data, greenhouse gas monitoring, methane emissions, pipeline surveillance, Earth observation, environmental science, data integration, climate change, emissions reduction

In this conversation, Dr. Heather Couture discusses her work with Climate TRACE, focusing on the use of AI and satellite data to estimate CO2 emissions from power plants. She explains the importance of granular data for individual power plants, the challenges of estimating emissions accurately, and the need for collaboration in improving emission monitoring techniques. The discussion covers various aspects of machine learning, satellite technology, and the complexities of emissions data.

Keywords

Climate TRACE, AI, CO2 emissions, power plants, satellite data, machine learning, greenhouse gases, emissions monitoring, environmental science, energy production

In this conversation, Sean Crowell and Aaron Davitt of WattTime discuss the intersection of climate data, remote sensing, and emission tracking. Aaron introduces the Climate Trace Coalition, which was founded by Watt Time and former US Vice President Al Gore to create comprehensive greenhouse gas emission inventories. Unlike the previous discussions of GHG remote sensing, this discussion highlights the use of different sets of satellite imagery (visible, thermal, SAR, etc) to locate sources for monitoring emissions across various sectors, the importance of data accessibility, and the collaborative efforts needed to improve emission estimates and mitigation strategies.

This is Part 1 of a series on Climate TRACE.

Key Topics:

04:24 Aaron Davitt's Journey in Climate Science

06:50 Understanding Watt Time and Its Role

08:54 Overview of Climate Trace Coalition

11:17 Utilizing Satellite Data for Emission Estimates

13:43 Sector-Specific Emission Monitoring

15:40 Innovative Approaches in Emission Estimation

18:24 Collaboration and Open Data in Climate Trace

20:36 Future Directions for Climate Trace

Keywords: climate data, remote sensing, greenhouse gas emissions, satellite technology, Wattime, Climate Trace, emission inventory, environmental technology, data accessibility, collaboration, RMI

In this conversation, Aravind Ravichandran of TerraWatch, an industry insider for Earth Observation (EO), discusses the economic and public aspects of the industry, including challenges and opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of both government and commercial sectors in EO, the investment trends in satellite technologies, and the need for better data platforms and applications. The discussion also touches on the future of carbon monitoring and emission data, highlighting the significance of standards and collaboration in the field. Finally, Aravind introduces the EO Summit, aimed at bridging the gap between end users and technology providers.

EO Summit: http://www.eosummit.com

TerraWatch Space: http://www.terrawatchspace.com

Keywords

Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Satellite Data, Environmental Impact, Commercial Sector, Government Role, Investment Trends, Carbon Monitoring, EO Summit, Data Platforms

Chapters

00:00 Aravind's Journey into Earth Observation & TerraWatch

08:04 Understanding Earth Observation

16:21 Public Good vs. Commercial Data

20:31 Investment Trends in Earth Observation

27:57 Understanding Platforms vs. Applications in Remote Sensing

37:55 The Future of Carbon Monitoring and Business Models

50:39 Introducing the EO Summit: A Collaborative Forum for Earth Observation

55:51 Introduction to Carbon Sense Podcast

55:52 Exploring Carbon Footprint and Its Impact

This conversation delves into the ambitious GeoCARB project, which aimed to revolutionize carbon monitoring from space. Sean Crowell discusses the project's inception, technical achievements, and the challenges faced, including budget constraints and competition from international efforts. Despite the cancellation of the mission, the validated instrument remains ready for potential future opportunities, highlighting the resilience and persistence of the scientific community in the face of adversity.

More about GeoCarb:

http://www.ou.edu/geocarb

Keywords

GeoCARB, carbon monitoring, NASA, greenhouse gases, climate science, remote sensing, environmental data, carbon cycle, geostationary orbit

In this conversation, Dr. Sean Crowell interviews Yasjka Meijer about the advancements in remote sensing technology and its application in monitoring greenhouse gases. They discuss the importance of satellite data, the role of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Copernicus program, and the challenges faced in accurately measuring CO2 and methane emissions. Yashka shares insights from his career, the significance of continuous data collection, and the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to address climate change effectively. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of climate action and the role individuals can play in mitigating emissions.

Learn more about CO2M and Copernicus here:

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Introducing_Copernicus

https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/co2m

Keywords: remote sensing, greenhouse gases, satellite technology, climate monitoring, Copernicus program, CO2M mission, ESA, air quality, methane measurements, validation

Takeaways

- The Copernicus program aims to provide continuous data for climate monitoring.

- Satellite technology is crucial for understanding greenhouse gas emissions.

- Operational satellites must ensure data continuity and accuracy.

- Engagement with the private sector enhances data utilization for climate action.

- The CO2M mission focuses on measuring anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

- Validation of satellite data is essential for accurate climate assessments.

- The global stock take is a critical component of the Paris Agreement.

- Public perception of climate change needs to shift towards urgency.

- Individual actions can significantly contribute to reducing emissions.

Outline

00:00 Introduction to Remote Sensing and Greenhouse Gases

00:56 New Chapter

02:56 Yasjka Meijer's Journey in Atmospheric Science

05:47 The Evolution of Copernicus Programs

08:03 The Role of ESA in Earth Observation

10:35 Engagement with the Private Sector in Copernicus

12:54 The Importance of Continuous Monitoring

15:46 CO2M: A New Era in Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

17:59 Challenges in Measuring CO2 and Methane

20:16 The Design and Functionality of CO2M Satellites

35:08 Building on Heritage: The Role of Mission Advisory Groups

37:54 Innovations in Spectrometer Design for CO2 and Methane Measurement

41:37 The Importance of NO2 in Emission Estimates

44:45 Addressing Aerosol Challenges in Satellite Observations

47:09 Data Products and Collaboration in Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

50:32 The Role of Copernicus in Climate Monitoring

53:30 Validation and Accuracy in Satellite Measurements

56:56 International Collaboration for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

59:30 The Role of SEOS in Climate Observations

01:05:02 Personal Contributions to Climate Action

01:08:37 The Urgency of Climate Change and Individual Responsibility

01:17:55 Introduction to Carbon Sense Podcast

01:17:56 Exploring Carbon Footprint and Its Impact

In this conversation, Sean Crowell interviews J-F Gauthier, Vice President of GHGSat, about the company's mission to monitor greenhouse gas emissions using satellite technology. J-F shares his unique journey into the field of remote sensing, the evolution of GHGSat, and the challenges faced by commercial entities in this space. The discussion covers the importance of accurate emission detection, collaboration within the remote sensing community, and the future goals of GHGSat, including the ambition to monitor every emitter globally on a daily basis. J-F emphasizes the need for actionable data to drive environmental change and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in the fight against climate change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to GHG-Sat and Its Mission

00:20 JF Gauthier's Background and Career Path

03:47 The Genesis of GHG-Sat and Its Technology

06:38 Current Constellation and Future Plans

08:30 Commercial Challenges in Methane Monitoring

12:23 Understanding GHG-Sat's Detection Capabilities

15:56 Validation Efforts and Transparency in Data

21:54 Collaboration and Standardization in the Industry

25:13 Uncertainty in Measurements and Its Implications

25:50 Understanding False Positives in Methane Detection

27:42 The Role of Wind in Emission Measurements

29:52 Source Attribution Challenges in Emission Data

32:46 Human Oversight in Automated Data Analysis

34:14 Customer Interaction and Data Delivery

39:53 Future Goals for GHGSat

44:40 Challenges in CO2 Measurement

49:36 The Importance of Actionable Data

Keywords

GHGSat, remote sensing, greenhouse gases, methane detection, CO2 monitoring, satellite technology, environmental impact, emissions measurement, climate change, industrial emissions

White paper on GHGSat Validation: https://www.ghgsat.com/en/scientific-publications/validation-and-metrics-for-emissions-detection-by-satellite/

In this conversation, Sean Crowell and Dan Cusworth discuss the development and impact of CarbonMapper, a technology aimed at mitigating methane emissions through advanced remote sensing techniques. They explore the technological innovations that enable CarbonMapper, the importance of data transparency, and the collaboration with industry to address emissions. The conversation also touches on regulatory challenges and the future direction of CarbonMapper's mission to provide accessible data for emission mitigation globally.

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Check out the CarbonMapper data portal to learn more and find methane sources: https://data.carbonmapper.org

Stanford single blind methane emission study:

https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-765-2024

Measurements mentioned:

AVIRIS: https://aviris.jpl.nasa.gov/

EMIT: https://earth.jpl.nasa.gov/emit/

EnMAP: https://www.enmap.org/

Hyperion: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/EO1Tenth/page3.php

PRISMA: https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/prisma-hyperspectral