Search Climate Insights Directory

This report by Ember examines the effectiveness of satellite monitoring in detecting methane emissions from global hard coal mines, noting a significant gap between theoretical detectability and actual observations.

The Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026 reports that coal mine methane (CMM) emissions have remained steady at approximately 35 million tonnes despite rising coal production since the 2021 Global Methane Pledge. The report highlights a critical lack of transparency, estimating that 89% of emissions were unreported to the UNFCCC in 2023, and that 87% of global coal production relies on generic emission factors rather than direct measurements. While satellite monitoring is increasing, it currently captures emissions from only 10% of global hard coal production. The report concludes that existing technologies could reduce CMM emissions by 54-63% by 2030, with some measures available at no net cost, and that such reductions are affordable relative to industry profits.

This guide details the methodologies used by Ember for its Coal Mine Methane Data Tracker, covering the compilation of historical emissions records, the creation of future emission forecasts, the classification of mine types, and the assessment of reporting confidence and satellite monitoring potential.

A report by Ember using satellite data reveals that Polish coal mines were the most frequent fossil fuel methane super-emitters in the EU in 2025. Despite the EU Methane Regulation's ban on routine venting from drainage systems starting in January 2025, satellite evidence indicates continued venting at several Polish sites, highlighting a gap in enforcement and the absence of a national penalty framework in Poland.

This submission by Ember to the Clean Energy Regulator argues that 'Method 2' for reporting fugitive methane emissions from Australian coal mines is scientifically inadequate and leads to significant under-reporting. The document highlights a growing gap between increasing coal production and stagnant or declining reported emissions, particularly in New South Wales. Ember recommends urgent reforms, including mandated regular updates to emission factors, increased borehole density, independent third-party verification, and the integration of satellite-based atmospheric monitoring to ensure the integrity of Australia's national emissions inventory.

A report by Ember and Kayrros using TROPOMI satellite observations to estimate fugitive methane emissions from coal mining clusters in Australia, finding that satellite-derived emissions are significantly higher than official national and state-level reports.

This report section discusses the integration of satellite-based methane emission estimates as a verification tool for coal production, specifically focusing on the potential for Australia to adopt a hybrid reporting framework similar to Canada's.

This report by Ember analyzes coal mine methane (CMM) emissions in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. It compares officially reported fugitive emissions with satellite-based estimates and airborne measurements, finding that actual emissions in both states are significantly higher than reported, with particularly large discrepancies noted for surface mines in Queensland and overall totals in New South Wales.

This report examines the discrepancy between satellite-observed methane emissions and company-led estimates from open-cut coal mines in Australia, specifically focusing on the impact of shifting from state-based (Method 1) to site-specific (Method 2) emissions accounting in New South Wales.

A report by Ember using TROPOMI satellite data and wind-rotation methods reveals that fugitive methane emissions from Australian coal mines are significantly higher than officially reported. The analysis, covering six mining clusters, found that emissions in 2020 were at least 40% higher than national reports, with particularly severe underreporting in New South Wales.

This report by Ember and the Clean Air Task Force examines how environmental conditions—specifically cloud cover, terrain roughness, solar elevation, surface brightness, and wind speed—limit the effectiveness of satellite-based methane monitoring. It highlights that approximately 30% of global coal, oil, and gas extraction infrastructure is located in regions where these factors make satellite observation difficult, necessitating a multi-tiered observation strategy that integrates space-based data with aircraft, drones, and ground-based sensors.

This report by Ember and the Clean Air Task Force examines how environmental factors—including cloud cover, terrain, solar elevation, surface brightness, and wind speed—limit the effectiveness of satellite-based methane monitoring. It finds that approximately 30% of global upstream coal, oil, and gas infrastructure is located in regions where these conditions hinder consistent data collection, necessitating a tiered observation system that combines satellites with local measurement technologies.

This report by Ember and the Clean Air Task Force examines how environmental factors—including cloud cover, terrain roughness, sun elevation, surface brightness, and wind speed—limit the efficacy of satellite-based methane monitoring. It highlights that approximately 30% of global upstream coal and oil and gas infrastructure is located in regions where these conditions make spaceborne observations challenging, necessitating a multi-tiered observing system that integrates satellites with near-ground measurement technologies.

This research paper analyzes 20-year trends in satellite-derived surface chlorophyll concentrations across four Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) around South and Western Central America, using combined data from SeaWiFS (1997–2006) and MODIS Aqua (2002–2017).

A Global Energy Monitor (GEM) report identifies 23 methane 'super-emitter' events at eight coal mines across Australia, China, Colombia, and Mexico between January 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024. Using NASA EMIT sensor data, the analysis links satellite-detected plumes to specific mine operators, highlighting a lack of global incentives for methane mitigation.

This RMI fact sheet introduces the Oil Climate Index plus Gas (OCI+), an open-source interactive tool designed to track and analyze the methane intensity of global oil and gas resources. The document highlights the significant role of methane in industry emissions, the potential for profitable reductions, and the use of satellite technology and environmental justice mapping to mitigate climate and community risks.

This guide by RMI explains the role of a new generation of satellite missions, particularly those led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in monitoring and quantifying methane emissions globally to accelerate climate action.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the relationship between forest degradation and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon from 2017 to 2020 using data from the DETER and PRODES monitoring systems. The study finds that while direct local conversion from degradation to deforestation is low, there is a strong spatial association, with a significant portion of deforestation occurring in the immediate vicinity of previously degraded areas, particularly in medium or large private properties, rural settlements, and undesignated areas.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI/PUC-Rio) analyzes the relationship between forest degradation and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon from 2017 to 2020 using data from INPE's DETER and PRODES systems. It finds that while direct local conversion from degradation to deforestation is low, a significant portion of deforestation occurs in the vicinity of previously degraded areas, suggesting that degradation can serve as a regional risk indicator for future forest loss.

This policy brief argues that Brazil's satellite-based monitoring (DETER) and law enforcement (IBAMA) system is a highly cost-effective tool that prevented an average of 27,000 km² of deforestation per year between 2007 and 2016. The document demonstrates that these measures do not hinder agricultural production and avoid nearly 1 billion tCO2 emissions annually. It warns that a proposed 50% budget cut for 2020 could increase deforestation by 45% and recommends strengthening federal financial and institutional support for these systems.