Climate TRACE, a coalition backed by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, has released the first-ever monthly global greenhouse gas emissions report, based on direct, real-time observations using satellites, sensors, and AI. This marks a dramatic shift from traditional, slow, and often self-reported emissions inventories.
The system provides monthly updates with just a 60-day lag, offering transparency and precision similar to financial reporting. Climate TRACE monitors over 660 million emission sources globally, including power plants, factories, farms, and ships. The goal is to create a “Bloomberg Terminal for the planet,” enabling policymakers, investors, and the public to track emissions by country, city, and sector with unmatched accuracy.
Why It Matters:
- The real-time data eliminates the “guesswork” of outdated emissions reporting.
- It enhances climate accountability and helps prevent greenwashing.
- Governments and companies can track progress, target interventions, and respond faster.
- Open-source access empowers journalists, researchers, and citizens to hold polluters accountable.
Key Insights from the January 2025 Data:
- Global emissions totaled 5.26 billion tonnes CO₂e, down 0.59% from January 2024.
- Methane emissions held steady, indicating a possible flattening of the overall emissions curve.
- Transportation showed the largest emissions decline (-1.6%), while emissions in waste and manufacturing sectors increased.
- China led national reductions (-1.1%), followed by slight drops in the U.S., EU, Russia, and India.
Challenges Ahead
While this new level of transparency is powerful, it may face resistance from political and industrial interests. Some governments (notably in the U.S.) are already attempting to dismantle climate science infrastructure. There are concerns that access to satellite data and monitoring tools could be restricted or politicized.
Bottom Line
Climate TRACE represents a critical turning point—a shift from delayed, voluntary emissions reporting to near-real-time, verified data. It has the power to reshape global climate policy, but only if it’s protected and embraced. As Al Gore put it, “This data is power.” The world must decide whether to use it—or silence it.
