Satellites Now Spot Huge Methane Plumes From Space

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Two satellites operated by nonprofit Carbon Mapper circle Earth about 16 times daily and spot methane super-emitters from space, AccuWeather reports, citing CNN. Over 20 years, methane traps roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide and accounts for about 30% of today’s warming. In the US, Orla, Texas, leads Carbon Mapper’s list this year with eight large plumes; global methane levels reached record highs in 2025. The IEA says technology exists to cut about 70% of emissions from fossil fuel production.  Disclosure: This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

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00:00An invisible gas is heating the planet, and now satellites can see it.

00:04The gas is methane.

00:05Over 20 years, it traps roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide.

00:10It's responsible for about 30% of today's warming.

00:13Two satellites run by the non-profit Carbon Mapper Circle the planet about 16 times a day.

00:19They hunt for super emitters, the small number of sources behind much of the pollution.

00:24Those include oil and gas sites and landfills.

00:26In the U.S., Orla, Texas, tops the list this year with eight large plumes.

00:32Stanton, Texas, and a site in Louisiana follow.

00:35Methane hit record highs in 2025, and about 40% comes from natural sources like wetlands.

00:42The rest comes from oil, gas, and coal, farming, and landfills.

00:46The good news is that it can be fixed.

00:48Existing technology could cut about 70% of emissions from fossil fuel production.

00:53Disclosure.

00:54This video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.

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