It’s well known that reducing methane emissions is an effective near-term climate change mitigation tool. And the quickly evolving use of satellite technology is transforming our ability to manage and control those emissions. However, many policymakers don’t yet have a good understanding of how satellites work, what data comes from them, or what the opportunities and limits of those data are.

That’s where this paper comes in. “Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Methane: A Primer for Policymakers on the Science of Methane Satellites” provides an accessible introduction to the science and technology of methane remote sensing, focusing especially on new satellite-borne methane detection instruments. This paper aims to help support and build capacity for legal and policy officials concerned with control of methane emissions in diverse national and subnational jurisdictions worldwide by aiding understanding of methane satellites and how they work.

This report is the latest product of the UCLA Emmett Advancing Methane Regulation project, with generous support from the Global Methane Hub and others.

Download the report.