International methane emissions from the vitality sector are about 70% higher than the quantity nationwide governments have formally reported, in keeping with IEA evaluation
The IEA’s world methane tracker exhibits emissions from oil, gasoline and coal are on the rise once more. (Picture supply: Adobe Inventory)
Methane is accountable for round 30% of the rise in world temperatures for the reason that Industrial Revolution, and fast and sustained emission reductions are key to limiting near-term warming and enhancing air high quality. Methane dissipates sooner than carbon dioxide (CO2) however is a way more highly effective greenhouse gasoline throughout its quick lifespan, which means that reducing methane emissions would have a fast impact on limiting world warming.
The vitality sector accounts for round 40% of methane emissions from human exercise, and this 12 months’s expanded version of the IEA’s International Methane Tracker consists of country-by-country emissions from coal mines and bioenergy for the primary time, along with continued detailed protection of oil and pure gasoline operations. Methane emissions from the vitality sector grew by slightly below 5% final 12 months.
“At right this moment’s elevated pure gasoline costs, almost the entire methane emissions from oil and gasoline operations worldwide may very well be prevented at no internet price,” mentioned IEA govt director Fatih Birol.
“The Worldwide Power Company has been a longstanding champion of stronger motion to chop methane emissions. An important a part of these efforts is transparency on the dimensions and placement of the emissions, which is why the large underreporting revealed by our International Methane Tracker is so alarming.”
“The International Methane Pledge should develop into a landmark second on this planet’s efforts to drive down emissions,” mentioned Dr Birol. “Chopping world methane emissions from human actions by 30% by the tip of this decade would have the identical impact on world warming by 2050 as shifting your entire transport sector to internet zero CO2 emissions.”
European Fee govt vice-president Frans Timmermans mentioned, “Methane is the second largest contributor to world warming. Quickly reducing methane emissions is subsequently a key a part of our efforts to sort out the local weather disaster. As established within the International Methane Pledge, we’d like extra exact information on precise methane emissions. By measuring, reporting, and verifying, we are going to know the place emissions cuts are most pressing. The IEA’s report underscores the need of this effort.”
