MARS has four components:
The MARS Process consists of 4 Components:
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Component 1: Detect & Attribute: UNEP’s IMEO coordinates with the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites and works with existing global mapping satellites (e.g., ESA Sentinel-5P TROPOMI) to identify very large methane plumes and methane ‘hot-spots’ with partners SRON and Kayrros. Then, further analysis using other, higher-resolution satellites (e.g., ASI PRISMA, ESA Sentinel-2) and ancillary datasets enable attribution of the event to the facility-scale.
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Component 2: Notify & Engage: UNEP’s IMEO works directly and through partners to notify relevant governments and companies to large emissions events happening in or near their jurisdictions or operations and continues this engagement as more information becomes available.
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Component 3: Stakeholders Take Abatement Action. It is up to the notified stakeholders to determine how best to respond to the notified emissions and share their actions with MARS to show a commitment to environmentally responsible operations. As appropriate, MARS partners are available to provide support services at this stage.
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Component 4: Track, Learn, Collaborate & Improve: UNEP’s IMEO will continue to monitor the event location for future emissions as mitigation efforts proceed or conclude. Data will be made publicly available between 45- and 75-days post detection. UNEP’s IMEO will continue to foster collaboration across the MARS ecosystem to draw lessons from these notified events that can be applied to improve MARS and methane action in general.
MARS is designed to be highly collaborative between UNEP, governments, and companies. More details about the MARS process can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
