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MethaneSAT, the latest addition to the space technology arsenal, promises to revolutionize the tracking and measurement of methane emissions globally.
Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket, this innovative satellite is set to provide unparalleled insights into methane emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change.

Methane Emissions

Methane, organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substance relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years unlike carbon dioxide.
Sources: Cattle-farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
Energy, agriculture, waste sectors primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.
Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by United States and European Union (India not signed up).

MethaneSAT is an initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
Equipped with a high–resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentrations as small as three parts per billion.
With a wide-camera view of about 200 km by 200 km, MethaneSAT can identify both small and large emitters, filling critical data gaps.

Data Accessibility: MethaneSAT will provide its data for free in near real-time, empowering stakeholders and regulators to take timely action to curb methane emissions.
Cloud Computing and AI: Google’s cloud-computing and AI technology will be used to analyze the vast amount of data collected by MethaneSAT, ensuring efficient processing and interpretation.

Greenhouse Gas Impact: Methane, though invisible, is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming, second only to carbon dioxide.
Health Hazards: Methane emissions also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, posing serious health risks and causing premature deaths.
Fossil Fuel Operations: The bulk of human-caused methane emissions stem from fossil fuel operations, making it imperative to monitor and reduce these emissions.

Global Impact: The launch of MethaneSAT aligns with the growing momentum for stringent methane management policies worldwide.
Transparency: Publicly available data from MethaneSAT will hold governments and corporations accountable for their methane emission reduction commitments.
Behavioral Change Challenges: While the data from MethaneSAT can drive awareness, behavioral changes among polluters are not guaranteed, highlighting the need for complementary regulatory measures.

Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Post your answers here.
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