Nonmethane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) emitted in excess from anthropogenic sources significantly contribute to the formation of harmful pollutants, thereby degrading air quality. While satellite measurements have become valuable tools for tracking anthropogenic emitters, they have primarily targeted inorganic species and methane (CH 4 ). This study demonstrates the potential of infrared atmospheric sounding interferometers (IASI) to detect anthropogenic NMVOC point sources on a global scale. Using an advanced oversampling technique, we enhance the spatial resolution of IASI measurements to identify emitters of three major NMVOCs: methanol (CH 3 OH), acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), and propylene (C 3 H 6 ). These point sources are primarily associated with chemical and petrochemical facilities, coal-burning activities, metallurgy, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, and megacities. We also highlight the value of combining IASI measurements of NMVOCs with those of the inorganic species, such as sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and ammonia (NH 3 ), to aid in the identification of anthropogenic point sources.

Plain Language Summary Human activities release various gases into the atmosphere, including organic (carbon-based) gases, which contribute to the creation of pollutants that can be harmful to both the environment and public health. While satellite measurements increasingly monitor gas emissions from specific human-related sources, they have predominantly focused on inorganic pollutants, like sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), ammonia (NH 3 ), and methane (CH 4 ). This study explores the potential of satellite observations from infrared atmospheric sounding interferometers (IASI) to detect human-made sources of organic gases globally. Utilizing a specialized technique to increase the spatial resolution of the satellite data, we pinpoint local emitters of three significant organic species: methanol (CH 3 OH), acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), and propylene (C 3 H 6 ). These emitters correspond to chemical and petrochemical plants, coal-burning operations, metal production facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, and large urban areas. Additionally, combining IASI organic gas data with measurements of SO 2 and NH 3 enhances our ability to detect and identify emission point sources.