[PAOCQ] Daniel Varon (MIT)

“Quantifying atmospheric methane emissions with satellite observations”

Atmospheric methane is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for roughly one third of climate warming since preindustrial times. Curbing methane emissions is a major focus of climate policy as a strategy to slow near-term warming. Satellites have unique capabilities to quantify and attribute methane emissions globally. In this talk, I will discuss recent advances in satellite remote sensing of atmospheric methane emissions, including targeted observation of individual point sources, global mapping of large emitters with land-imaging satellites, real-time tracking of extreme releases from geostationary orbit, and continuous monitoring of total emissions from oil and gas fields.

PAOC Colloquium —

Interdisciplinary seminar series that brings together the whole PAOC (Program in Atmospheres, Oceans, and Climate) community. Seminar topics include all research concerning the physics, chemistry, and biology of the atmospheres, oceans and climate, as well as talks about societal impacts of climatic processes.

Contact: paoc-colloquium-comm@mit.edu