Google reveals details of the global warming solution project using AI to detect the location of methane gas emissions from satellite images.
Methane (CH4) is a critical greenhouse gas, often released from fossil fuel production processes such as oil and natural gas.
Partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Google, a long-time environmental advocate, is set to launch its own satellite, MethaneSAT, into the atmosphere in March. MethaneSAT will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, capturing images that reveal methane levels for analysis.
Once the images are obtained, Google will further process them using the Google Earth Engine, making it easier for other organizations to utilize. Google will also integrate these images with regular satellite imagery, using its algorithms to identify oil wells, pumps, and storage facilities. By cross-referencing this data with MethaneSAT emission maps, potential leaks and issues can be quickly identified and addressed.
Examples of satellite images showing methane levels and oil wells, with AI technology separating structures within oil wells (red = pumps, blue = storage tanks).
Source – Google
TLDR: Google and EDF are collaborating on a project to combat global warming by using AI to detect methane emissions from satellite images, aiding in the quick identification and resolution of environmental issues.
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