Methane Science Studies
The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) designs, funds and leads scientific studies worldwide to understand and quantify how much methane is released into the atmosphere, how emissions change over time and to identify its sources. Study results, published only in peer-reviewed scientific journals, provide critical information for governments and companies to make informed decisions and take effective action to mitigate methane emissions.
Since its launch in 2021, IMEO has initiated 37 studies and published 24 papers in peer-reviewed journals—20 more are in the making.
What makes IMEO science studies unique?
IMEO’s methane science studies aim to uncover the magnitude and the location of key anthropogenic methane emissions sources. They provide the empirical data needed to track changes in emissions over time and identify mitigation opportunities.
Beyond measuring methane emissions, IMEO focuses on quickly sharing lessons learned from its science studies, including through its engagement with governments, capacity building and training work, and by making its studies accessible through the Eye on Methane data platform.
Four key objectives
Integrate and reconcile multi-scale empirical data
Characterize, assess and validate measurement-based approaches
Conduct data assurance and characterize regions or sources with high uncertainty or discrepancies in the integrated data
Support the understanding and development of national emissions inventories and mitigation action
Trusted and reliable
All studies are led by research scientists and the full scientific process – from scoping of the study to publication – is reviewed by an independent panel of scientific experts in IMEO’s Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC). Rigorous protocols for data collection and analysis are put in place to build trust with countries and companies, and a stringent peer review process ensures that IMEO-led studies meet the highest scientific quality standards. Results are published in open access peer-reviewed journals.
Piloting new, more efficient approaches
Studies employ multiple measurement and emission quantification methodologies whenever possible. IMEO studies focus on areas where data are scarce, complementing tools such as satellites. They are flexible by design, adapting tools and approaches to each unique situation.
Immediate, real-world impact
Research findings are immediately communicated to governments and companies, so they can take quick action and stop emissions at the source. Additionally, emission measurement data are made publicly available in scientific papers in an aggregated and anonymized form.
Eye-opening results
IMEO studies compare data from on-site, satellite, airborne and other measurements with national inventories, where emissions are based on calculated estimates, to raise awareness about the importance of reliable, accurate data to drive climate action. Study measurements are unique in that they cover different scales and dimensions, ranging from wells to basins to countries.
Step-by-step towards data integration
Do you have a study idea that you would like to submit?
While initially focused on oil and gas, IMEO has been expanding research into other sectors where methane emissions abound, but are scarcely measured, such as metallurgical coal, waste and agriculture.
Explore Eye on Methane
