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The non-profit organization, Global Methane Hub, has utilized satellite images taken of landfills worldwide to detect methane emissions. By using infrared cameras fixed on satellites from the Netherlands Space Research Institute (SRON), scientists were able to identify high levels of methane emissions, which appeared as red clouds in the photographs. Surprisingly, landfills in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Buenos Aires showed large amounts of methane emissions, despite some having measures in place to separate organic waste that produces methane during decomposition.

The Global Methane Hub has received a million grant from Google.org to fund the creation of a waste map that will display methane emissions at landfills globally. At COP28, the international climate talks to be held in Dubai, the map will be launched as a website. Google will also develop artificial intelligence models to improve landfill mapping and identify methane emissions.

Methane is a significant contributor to climate change, responsible for about 30 percent of the increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. The largest sources of methane emissions include oil and gas production, agriculture, and landfills. Although methane emissions from landfills are not visible to the naked eye, they can lead to fires and smoke in nearby cities.

Over 146 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The waste map will provide global coverage of landfill sites, assisting in the documentation and quantification of emissions. By studying landfills with high emissions, researchers can identify patterns and potentially reduce methane emissions in sectors like hotels, restaurants, and conventions by preventing food waste from reaching landfills.

The Global Methane Hub is collaborating with authorities in New Delhi, Mumbai, Santiago, and other cities to develop solutions for reducing landfill emissions. Possible measures include repairing pipes to capture methane, covering landfills, and implementing separate collections for organic waste.

Satellite imagery will help document successful efforts in reducing methane emissions and provide valuable data for mayors and policymakers. The research conducted by SRON in 2020 revealed higher methane emissions in cities than previously estimated. For example, a landfill in Kanjurmarg, Mumbai emitted 85,000 tonnes of methane annually, while one in Buenos Aires emitted 250,000 tonnes. The waste map aims to expand its coverage and incorporate more landfills, with the assistance of Google’s AI tools to identify informal landfill sites as well.

The availability of a comprehensive waste map will reveal the extent of the methane emissions problem and assist in efforts to mitigate its environmental impact. The Global Methane Hub is hopeful that this initiative will contribute to a global reduction in hazardous methane emissions.

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