Dmitry Belikov, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) Expert for the Enhancing Uzbekistan’s Methane Inventories (UzEMI), discusses methane’s role in climate change, the potential of satellite monitoring, and the importance of emissions assessment in Central Asia.
For many years, research on greenhouse gases focused primarily on carbon dioxide (CO₂), whose emissions are associated with virtually all major types of human activity, from energy and transport to industry. However, as the impacts of climate change have intensified, the international community has increasingly turned its attention to methane as well.
Interview Summary
Methane is particularly important for reducing climate impacts in the short term. It remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period than CO₂, meaning that reducing methane concentrations can help curb the greenhouse effect more quickly. At the same time, accurately assessing methane emissions requires more advanced monitoring technologies, as its atmospheric concentration is approximately 1,000 times lower than that of CO₂.
Satellite data play an important role in addressing this challenge by providing information on emissions at a global scale, including in regions where ground-based monitoring is limited. Central Asia is one such region.
Satellite monitoring provides a more accurate picture of emission volumes, their spatial distribution, and changes over time. This makes it possible to assess the scale of emissions and the effectiveness of measures to reduce them more objectively.
Developing methane monitoring systems and improving the accuracy of emissions estimates are essential for making informed climate-related decisions. This is particularly relevant for Central Asia, where combining satellite technologies with national expertise can help address data gaps and build a more comprehensive understanding of emission sources across the region.
By Zhanna Khusainova, PR Expert/Consultant, Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)
For further information:
Dilovarsho Dustzoda — Project Manager (recath_manager@carececo.org)
Arailym Shulgauova — Project Specialist (ashulgauova@carececo.org)