"Unlocking the Potential: Landfill Emissions and U.S. Methane Reduction"

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Carbon Mapper, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other esteemed research institutions, a shocking discovery has been made regarding landfill methane emissions in the United States. This study, the largest of its kind, employed direct observations through airborne surveys to assess hundreds of U.S. landfills, revealing the staggering impact of landfill point source emissions on methane pollution - a critical issue in the fight against climate change.

Led by Dr. Dan Cusworth, Carbon Mapper Program Scientist, the study highlighted the significant contribution of landfills as the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions in the U.S., accounting for 14.3% of methane in 2021. This revelation underscores the urgent need to address these emissions, which are often overlooked in favor of more prominent sources such as oil and gas production.

Traditional methods of estimating landfill emissions have proven inadequate, prompting the use of advanced aircraft for direct measurement-based surveys from 2018 to 2022. The results were eye-opening, with 52% of surveyed landfills exhibiting observable point source emissions - a stark contrast to the detection rate observed in oil and gas infrastructure.

Moreover, the study found that landfill emissions are not only prevalent but also persistent, with 60% of observed emissions lasting months or even years. These prolonged emissions accounted for a significant portion of the total quantified emissions, highlighting the need for improved detection and mitigation strategies.

One of the most alarming findings was the discrepancy between observed emissions and national reporting frameworks, such as the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. On average, aerial emission rates were 1.4 times higher than those reported, indicating a significant misrepresentation of methane sources in official data.

Looking ahead, the study emphasizes the importance of implementing a comprehensive monitoring strategy to effectively measure and act on methane emissions at landfills. The Carbon Mapper Coalition, in collaboration with partners like NASA JPL and Planet Labs, is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions, including launching the Tanager satellite in 2024 to detect methane emissions at landfills.

The data collected by Carbon Mapper is publicly available, empowering waste management companies, local governments, policymakers, and community groups to make informed decisions and take concrete steps towards reducing methane emissions. By shedding light on the hidden impact of landfill methane emissions, this study paves the way for targeted mitigation efforts that could have a significant impact on slowing global warming.

As we navigate the complex challenges of climate change, studies like this serve as a stark reminder of the critical role that scientific research plays in shaping our understanding of environmental issues and driving meaningful change.

Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1038789