Environment and ecology UN Expands Methane Monitoring System Context: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) expanded the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) to include coal mines and waste facilities Key Findings of UNEP Analysis UNEP analysis released in April 2026 identified coal mining and waste management as major methane emission sources Two of the world’s three largest methane-emitting sites were landfills located in Chile and India The Indian site corresponds to the Kanjurmarg landfill in Mumbai Methane Emission Sites in India Satellite-based analysis identified two Indian landfill sites among the world’s 25 largest methane emitters These sites are located in: Secunderabad and Mumbai About Methane Methane is more than 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period in trapping heat However, methane remains in the atmosphere for only about a decade, unlike carbon dioxide which persists for centuries Rapid methane reduction is considered one of the fastest ways to slow global warming Functioning of MARS MARS uses data from more than 35 satellites to detect methane “super-emitters” System alerts governments and industries about major methane leaks It also tracks whether corrective measures have been taken and emissions reduced Significance Strengthens global methane monitoring and climate mitigation efforts Enhances transparency in industrial emissions Supports rapid action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
