The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) is the first global satellite detection and notification system providing actionable data on very large methane emissions around the world. Already in 2023, MARS has notified over 120 major emissions events across 4 continents to stakeholders with the power to act.
MARS-notified plumes since 1 January 2023. Explore MARS and other UNEP satellite data through the beta-version of UNEP IMEO’s Methane Data.
MARS notifications have already led to successful methane emissions mitigation. Read the case study to learn more.
UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory launched the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) at COP27, a new initiative to accelerate implementation of the Global Methane Pledge by transparently scaling up global efforts to detect and act on major methane emissions sources. At COP28 results of the MARS pilot period have gone live, publicly sharing satellite data for notified emissions events. Explore the data.
MARS started with a focus on very large methane emissions from the energy sector. In implementing MARS, IMEO collaborates with a range of insitutional partners, including the International Energy Agency and the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition, as well as data partners such as Kayrros and SRON. In addition, member companies of UNEP’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 actively collaborate to help improve the MARS notification process. Initial financial support for MARS is provided by the European Commission, the US Government, the Global Methane Hub, and the Bezos Earth Fund.
