Satellites show greater urban methane emissions than known

ABC News turned to an expert on methane at the University of Cincinnati about a new study that found the greenhouse gas is released from urban areas in higher densities than previously known.

Researchers from Harvard University used observations from satellites to estimate methane emissions in 12 U.S. cities. They found that emissions were as much as 80% higher than estimates publicly reported by federal regulators.

UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small was not part of the study but has studied methane releases from uncapped oil wells across the country. She teaches in UC's School of Environment and Sustainability.

Townsend-Small told ABC News that some facilities like wastewater treatment plants and landfills capture methane created from decomposition, which can be converted to fuel.

“It's actually possible for these landfills to harvest the methane for good — and they can make money on it,“ she told ABC News.

Lead author Xiaolin Wang said understanding the scope of methane releases is the first step toward managing it effectively.

Read the ABC News story.

Featured image at top: UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small studies environmental science and policy. Photo/Dottie Stover/UC