Monday, April 13, 2026
Sci/Tech - LEVEL2

COP29: Satellites Detect Methane Leaks, Ignored by ‘Super-Emitters’

By aimee yang
COP29: Satellites Detect Methane Leaks, Ignored by ‘Super-Emitters’

Spotting Methane Emissions

The world can now detect methane emissions, a major cause of global warming, using satellites. However, a recent report at COP29 revealed that when notified about leaks, many methane “super-emitters” don’t take action.

Many countries and big oil companies have promised to reduce methane emissions, as it is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Satellites are now helping to detect leaks from sources like oil and gas facilities and coal mines.

Despite alerts about large methane plumes, only a small percentage of emitters have acted to control leaks. Reasons for this could be a lack of resources or difficulty in fixing the leaks.

At the COP29 meeting, discussions on methane emissions are ongoing. Countries are taking steps to reduce methane, but challenges remain in holding emitters accountable for their emissions.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

Methane/ˈmɛθeɪn/noun
A colorless odorless gas that is a major greenhouse gas and a source of global warming.

Emissions/ɪˈmɪʃənz/noun
Gases released into the atmosphere often as a result of human activity.

Super-emitters/ˈsuː.pər ɪˈmɪtərz/noun
Entities or sources that release a disproportionately large amount of emissions.

Accountable/əˈkaʊntəbl/adjective
Responsible for actions and decisions often regarding emissions control.

Challenges/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/noun
Difficulties or obstacles that hinder progress toward reducing emissions.

Leaks/liːks/noun
Unintentional releases of gas or liquid from a container or infrastructure.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What is one method being used to detect methane emissions?
Ground sensors
Satellites
Weather balloons
Air quality monitors
Why have many countries and big oil companies promised to reduce methane emissions?
It is a primary cause of acid rain
It is the most common air pollutant
It is the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2
It is used as a renewable energy source
What is a significant challenge mentioned in controlling methane leaks?
Lack of available technology
Political opposition
Resistance from environmental groups
Difficulty in fixing leaks
What is mentioned as a reason why only a small percentage of emitters have acted to control leaks?
Lack of awareness about emissions
High cost of mitigation
Limited detection methods
Lack of resources or difficulty in fixing leaks
What is one source mentioned as being monitored for methane leaks?
Nuclear power plants
Oil and gas facilities
Solar farms
Hydropower plants
What was the focus of discussions at the COP29 meeting regarding methane emissions?
Carbon offset programs
Renewable energy targets
Reducing methane leakage
Waste management issues
Satellites are not currently used to detect methane emissions.
The recent report at COP29 revealed that all "super-emitters" take immediate action when notified about leaks.
Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon monoxide.
Countries and big oil companies have shown no interest in reducing methane emissions.
Challenges in controlling methane leaks include resistance from environmental groups.
Countries are not taking any steps to reduce methane emissions according to the COP29 meeting.
Despite alerts about large methane plumes, only a percentage of emitters have acted to control leaks.
Reasons for the lack of action on methane leaks could be a lack of resources or in fixing the leaks.
Satellites are now helping to detect leaks from sources like oil and gas and coal mines.
Challenges remain in holding emitters accountable for their .
At the COP29 meeting, discussions on methane emissions are ongoing, with the focus on reducing methane .
Methane emissions are a major cause of warming.
This question is required
aimee yang
aimee yanghttps://esl-news.com

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Methane/ˈmɛθeɪn/noun
A colorless odorless gas that is a major greenhouse gas and a source of global warming.
Emissions/ɪˈmɪʃənz/noun
Gases released into the atmosphere often as a result of human activity.
Super-emitters/ˈsuː.pər ɪˈmɪtərz/noun
Entities or sources that release a disproportionately large amount of emissions.
Accountable/əˈkaʊntəbl/adjective
Responsible for actions and decisions often regarding emissions control.
Challenges/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/noun
Difficulties or obstacles that hinder progress toward reducing emissions.
Leaks/liːks/noun
Unintentional releases of gas or liquid from a container or infrastructure.
Vocabulary Learning

How much do you know?

What is one method being used to detect methane emissions?
Ground sensors
Satellites
Weather balloons
Air quality monitors
Why have many countries and big oil companies promised to reduce methane emissions?
It is a primary cause of acid rain
It is the most common air pollutant
It is the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2
It is used as a renewable energy source
What is a significant challenge mentioned in controlling methane leaks?
Lack of available technology
Political opposition
Resistance from environmental groups
Difficulty in fixing leaks
What is mentioned as a reason why only a small percentage of emitters have acted to control leaks?
Lack of awareness about emissions
High cost of mitigation
Limited detection methods
Lack of resources or difficulty in fixing leaks
What is one source mentioned as being monitored for methane leaks?
Nuclear power plants
Oil and gas facilities
Solar farms
Hydropower plants
What was the focus of discussions at the COP29 meeting regarding methane emissions?
Carbon offset programs
Renewable energy targets
Reducing methane leakage
Waste management issues
Satellites are not currently used to detect methane emissions.
The recent report at COP29 revealed that all "super-emitters" take immediate action when notified about leaks.
Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon monoxide.
Countries and big oil companies have shown no interest in reducing methane emissions.
Challenges in controlling methane leaks include resistance from environmental groups.
Countries are not taking any steps to reduce methane emissions according to the COP29 meeting.
Despite alerts about large methane plumes, only a percentage of emitters have acted to control leaks.
Reasons for the lack of action on methane leaks could be a lack of resources or in fixing the leaks.
Satellites are now helping to detect leaks from sources like oil and gas and coal mines.
Challenges remain in holding emitters accountable for their .
At the COP29 meeting, discussions on methane emissions are ongoing, with the focus on reducing methane .
Methane emissions are a major cause of warming.
This question is required

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