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Solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that rapidly warm
the planet and drive the climate crisis already exist, but
require unprecedented changes at a new scale and pace.
"This is something that nations can work on together because the
information is there," Nelson said in Mexico City when asked
about how to address greenhouse gas emissions. "It's important
that we act on it."
Satellites have emerged as powerful tools for scientists around
the world to study climate change but also, increasingly,
pinpoint the origin of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane
leaks, that would otherwise have gone undetected.
Nelson added that satellites were constantly collecting data
about climate and NASA was looking to make this data accessible,
and educate people on how to use it.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, is the
second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon
dioxide. Scientists can now pinpoint the origin of large methane
leaks using data gathered by satellites.
It is a much more potent driver of global warming in the short
term than carbon dioxide because it traps more heat in the
atmosphere, ton for ton.
"The types of concerns that we have are global," said NASA
Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. "It's very important to
recognize that not any one country can solve that problem
alone."
Earlier in the day, Nelson and Melroy, who are both astronauts,
met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and
lawmakers to discuss how the countries can work together.
(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher)
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