"WASHINGTON - Over half of U.S. landfills observed by aerial surveys are super-emitting sources of methane, according to a new study in the journal Science published on Thursday.
The study is the largest assessment to date of methane from landfills, the third-largest source of U.S. methane emissions, and suggests an opportunity to tackle climate change by targeting a prevalent and potent greenhouse gas.
It was led by research group Carbon Mapper, with researchers from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Scientific Aviation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Around 52% of landfills had observable methane emission point sources compared to the 0.2% to 1% of "super-emitter" sites in the oil and gas sector, the largest U.S. source of methane.
Super emitters are sources that spew at least 100 kilograms (100 lbs) of methane per hour, according to the EPA."
Valerie Volcovici reports for Reuters March 28, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"‘Garbage Lasagna’: Dumps Are a Big Driver of Warming, Study Says" (New York Times)
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