Methane emissions burped up by cows have been observed from space. The emissions were detected by environmental data company GHGSat’s high-resolution satellites in February, according to a news release from the company. In April the company’s analysis confirmed that the emissions came from a cattle feedlot in California’s Joaquin Valley.
The satellites recorded five emissions, says GHGSat. If these emissions were sustained for just one year, enough gas would be released “to power 15,402 homes,” the company said. Methane emissions from cattle have been identified as a significant contributor to climate change. As cows digest their food, they release methane, mostly through their gassy burps. But the methane they burp up is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that farm cattle contribute to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide generated by human activity.
