Methane emissions

Methane (CH₄), with warming potential 84 times greater than CO₂ over 20 years, requires urgent mitigation for climate stabilization. This study compared atmospheric methane patterns between Delta and Adamawa States, Nigeria, using 2022–2024 Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data processed through Google Earth Engine. Applying strict quality controls (qa_value ≥ 0.75) and statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney U test, Getis-Ord Gi*), the research revealed distinct emission signatures. Delta State exhibited concentrated industrial emissions, with 96.73% of hotspots at petroleum infrastructure (oil facilities, gas flaring, pipelines). Concentrations increased 1.37% from 1,915.47 to 1,941.72 ppb, showing high spatial heterogeneity (σ = 14.82 ppb) and minimal climate sensitivity. Adamawa State showed diffuse biogenic emissions from livestock (38.84%), waste (17.52%), and wetlands (25.80%), with 0.81% concentration increase (1,925.82 to 1,941.45 ppb), lower variability (σ = 9.85 ppb), but strong climate dependence (ρ = +0.58, p < 0.001). Both states showed accelerating trends (Delta: +13.05%/year; Adamawa: +11.38%/year), contradicting Nigeria's 30% reduction pledge by 2030. Results demonstrate that industrial and agricultural sources require distinct strategies: leak detection and infrastructure modernization for petroleum operations versus improved livestock management and waste infrastructure for agricultural systems. This baseline enables future monitoring of mitigation effectiveness.