Long-term study suggests landfill methane emissions are far higher than estimates
Methane is an especially potent greenhouse gas, causing much more warming than carbon dioxide on a unit-for-unit basis—and a new, uniquely long-term study of emissions at a New Jersey landfill suggests that estimates of methane pollution in the U.S. and elsewhere may be dramatically off. The study, published by researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, which is part…
A long-term study conducted by researchers at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory has revealed that landfill methane emissions are significantly higher than previously estimated. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is estimated to be 28 times more warming than carbon dioxide on a unit-for-unit basis. Landfills contribute to approximately 17% of U.S. methane emissions, with the EPA's current method of estimating emissions based on total waste adjusted for captured gas on-site.
However, satellite and aircraft measurements suggest that actual emissions are higher. A study led by Andrew Hallward-Driemeier found that using continuous ground-based measurements at a New Jersey landfill, two-and-a-half years of readings from a Rutgers operated tower, aligned with snapshots of emissions detected by two separate aircraft overflights.
The study also identified strong seasonal differences in emissions, with peaks in early winter, and found that low-pressure systems can cause methane emissions to increase. The findings suggest that landfill methane emissions may be five times higher than previously estimated, highlighting the importance of continuous, long-term measurements for accurately assessing emissions.
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