Australia’s Major Emitters May Spew Twice More Methane Than Reported: Study

Major polluters in Australia may be spewing more than double the methane estimated in its national inventory data, according to a report from the Melbourne-based nonprofit The Superpower Institute, which suggests the government should invest in new monitoring and verification technology.

The study, which drew on atmospheric modeling and satellite observations, is the first analysis to use the institute’s new Open Methane tool. The monitoring system uses remote sensing data to better understand Australia’s releases of the potent greenhouse gas from fossil fuels. The project plans to offer an interactive map with daily alerts for unexpected and significant methane spikes later this year.