Putting the Brakes on Climate Change
MethaneSAT is a Game Changer
MethaneSAT launched on March 4, 2024, and is orbiting some 360 miles up, working to detect emissions of methane, a dangerous and highly potent greenhouse gas that is significantly heating the planet. MethaneSAT’s focus is on large industrial emitters from the oil and gas industry.
The Environmental Defense Fund spearheaded the project and, in an unprecedented effort, brought together over 150 scientists, engineers, and climatologists from over 40 institutions, including Harvard’s Dr. Steven Wofsy.
Last May, SPI sat down with Dr. Wofsy, the principal investigator on the project. Dr. Wofsy is an atmospheric and hydrospheric scientist and was named the Abbott Lawrence Rotch Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science at Harvard University. He is a perfect fit for his role of principal investigator. Throughout his career, Dr. Wofsy’s research has focused on methane levels in the atmosphere and on measuring, modeling, and mitigating the vast impacts that human activities have on the planet. As is now well documented, man-made emissions - not the least of which is methane - have severe effects on the environment of the Earth and society, such as climatic warming and global, regional, and urban air pollution.
Take a look at this New York Times interactive from March 3 for a great visual overview of the project.
Professor Wofsy's research over many years has been motivated by the need for scientific information and analysis to make wise decisions on the future development and conservation of the world's resources. His SPI recording offers an introduction to him, his work, background on the project, and a basic understanding of the effect of methane on our environment, its sources, and global efforts that are now underway to curb emissions. Click here and scroll down to listen to Steven’s SPI recording.
Future scientists, climatologists, and engineers - this one is not to be missed.
About Story Preservation Initiative
Our Mission: Story Preservation Initiative believes in the transformative power of story to connect people around our common humanity and create a better future.
Our Work: We are a leading producer and online distributor of original, content-rich audio-based narratives for K-12 students. SPI stories are the raw materials of history, roadmaps to scientific discovery, and windows to the minds of artists and skilled tradesmen and women. SPI also makes available original projects and educator prompts developed to deepen student engagement and learning.
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