Landfills Revealed as Major Climate Culprits In Methane Crisis

A new study in Science reveals that over half of U.S. landfills, surveyed via aerial methods, are significant sources of methane emissions.

It identifies approximately 52% of landfills as "super-emitters" of methane, surpassing the prevalence of such emissions in the oil and gas sector. — It identifies approximately 52% of landfills as “super-emitters” of methane, surpassing the prevalence of such emissions in the oil and gas sector. (Credits: Carbon Mapper)

This comprehensive assessment highlights landfills as the third-largest methane emitter in the U.S., offering an opportunity to combat climate change by addressing this potent greenhouse gas.

Scope and Significance of Study

Led by Carbon Mapper and involving researchers from esteemed institutions including NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Environmental Protection Agency, the study presents alarming statistics.

These super-emitting sources, defined by the EPA as those releasing at least 100 kilograms of methane per hour, represent a critical target for emissions reduction efforts. (Credits: Carbon Mapper)

It identifies approximately 52% of landfills as “super-emitters” of methane, surpassing the prevalence of such emissions in the oil and gas sector.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Environmental Protection Agency (Credits: NASA)

These super-emitting sources, defined by the EPA as those releasing at least 100 kilograms of methane per hour, represent a critical target for emissions reduction efforts.

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