Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)

Context: The UN expanded its Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to include the coal and waste sectors.

• This decision follows satellite data identifying an Indian landfill (Kanjurmarg) among the world’s three largest methane emitters, alongside sites in Chile.

AboutMethane Alert and Response System (MARS):

What it is?

• MARS is the first global satellite-based system that monitors methane super-emitters and connects that data to rapid mitigation efforts. It is a component of the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Launched In: The system was announced at COP27  and officially launched in January 2023.

Aim: The primary goal is to identify and quantify major methane emission events, notify relevant governments and companies, and track the progress of their mitigation actions to slow global heating.

How it Works?

The system operates through a four-step lifecycle:

1. Detection and Attribution: MARS scans data from over 35 satellites to identify large methane plumes. High-resolution imagery then attributes these plumes to specific facilities and operators.
2. Notification and Engagement: The IMEO team directly alerts governments and companies about large emissions within their jurisdiction.
3. Mitigation Action: Stakeholders are responsible for responding to the leaks. MARS partners provide technical assistance as needed.
4. Tracking and Verification: IMEO continues to monitor the site to ensure the leak is addressed and publishes data publicly on the Eye on Methane platform.

Key Features:

• Sector Expansion: Originally focused on oil and gas, the system now covers coal mines and waste facilities.
• AI Integration: MARS uses custom machine learning models to analyze thousands of satellite images in minutes.
• Transparency Policy: All detection data is made public 30 to 45 days after an event to ensure accountability while allowing time for industry response.
• Global Databases: It includes tools like the Coal Methane Database, covering over half of the world’s metallurgical coal production.
• Quantification Metrics: Uses the Persistency-Weighted Flux (PWF) method to distinguish between short-term leaks and chronic, long-term emitters.

Significance:

• Methane is over 80 times more powerful than CO2 over a 20-year period. Rapidly plugging leaks is the fastest brake on global warming.
• The IEA estimates that plugging methane leaks could return 200 billion cubic meters of gas to global markets annually.