UNEP selects Kayrros to support global methane monitoring
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will use satellite monitoring firm Kayrros to gather global data for its International Methane Emissions Observatory initiative (IMEO), Kayrros said January 18.
IMEO was launched at the G20 Summit in 2021 and is expected to transform conventional approaches to methane reduction by combining verified third-party data – supplied by Kayrros through its constellation of methane monitoring satellites and other technologies – with action on research, reporting and implementation.
In 2023, Kayrros and IMEO will collaborate with leading scientists to push the capabilities of satellite monitoring and provide new insights to support climate action through methane mitigation in the framework of the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), launched by UNEP at COP27 in collaboration with the International Energy Agency and the UNEP-hosted Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
MARS, which will rely in part on Kayross detections and measurements, is the first publicly-available global system capable of connecting methane detection to notification processes.
“Kayrros’ technology brings unique capabilities,” IMEO head Manfredi Caltagirone said. “We are pleased to have their technology support MARS and help us advance our mission to reduce methane emissions and meet the aims of the Global Methane Pledge.”
At COP28 in Dubai, UNEP will present an update on the use of satellites to reduce large methane emission sources and how satellite technology can help achieve the goals of the Global Methane Pledge, which was launched at COP26 in Scotland. The update will be built on the results of the collaboration with Kayrros.
“The Global Methane Pledge is key to delivering the greenhouse gas cuts needed to avert the worst effects of climate change,” Kayrros president Antoine Rostand said. “Kayrros is pleased to become a key data provider to IMEO to help it execute its mission, and grateful for the generous support of the Global Methane Hub.”