Methane Alert and Response System (UNEP)
The UN's satellite methane alert system has sent more than 3,500 alerts about major leaks in 33 countries, and responses rose from 1% to 12% in a year (UNEP).
Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech (PIA26113).
Last reviewed: 5 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- A greenhouse gas that traps much more heat than carbon dioxide over a few decades. It leaks from oil and gas sites, landfills and farms. Glossary is a gas that heats the planet, and big leaks can be seen from space.
- The United Nations watches satellite data and tells countries and companies about leaks.
- When they fix a leak, the air gets cleaner and the planet heats up less.
The Five W's of MARS
Who
The UN Environment Programme's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) runs MARS.
What
The first public global satellite system that detects very large methane emissions and notifies governments and companies, using more than 30 satellite instruments and AI models.
When
UNEP launched MARS at COP27 in 2022. In 2026 it expanded from oil and gas to coal and waste.
Where
Through MARS, UNEP has sent alerts about major emissions events across 33 countries.
Source: UNEP, Better data driving action on methane emissions (Oct 22, 2025)
Why
Methane is the second biggest driver of climate change after A gas that people and animals breathe out and that burning fuel releases. Plants take it in, and too much of it in the air warms the planet. Glossary, responsible for about one-third of the planet's warming.
Source: UNEP, Better data driving action on methane emissions (Oct 22, 2025)
Impact Statement
Agency solution · active
UNEP has documented 25 cases of mitigation action in 10 countries since MARS launched in 2022 (UNEP).
Source: UNEP, Better data driving action on methane emissions (Oct 22, 2025)
For Further Information: UNEP IMEO, Methane Alert and Response System
In one year, the share of MARS alerts that got a response rose from 1% to 12% (UNEP).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
Stopping methane leaks can quickly slow global warming, which buys time for longer-term climate action (UNEP).
Source: UNEP, Better data driving action on methane emissions (Oct 22, 2025)
For Nature
Methane is responsible for about one-third of the planet's warming, so cutting it slows warming for all life (UNEP).
Source: UNEP, Better data driving action on methane emissions (Oct 22, 2025)
Get Involved With MARS
Want to go deeper? UNEP has the full MARS story.
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