Oil and gas fields producing methane

Carbon Mapper has mapped the spread of methane from oil and gas fields for the first time. Some of the methane plumes have spread over 200 miles. It is believed that the plumes were due to leaks and they are easy to stop.

Methane is released from landfill, as a result of agriculture and from coal power stations. Methane leaks in relation to oil and gas fields are usually from oil and gas plants during maintenance and are easy to stop.

The measurements taken were only of those from land facilities and were low altitude and not thick cloud. Future plans to increase satellite tracking with better sensors will enable the sources of the leaks to be located and can ensure that the emitters are aware of their actions.

Scientists predict that a reduction of these methane leaks could prevent warming of between 0.005 and 0.002 degrees Celsius.

For more on this report check out the BBC article.