In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Berhampur University in Odisha have created India’s first detailed methane emission inventory for 2023. This work reveals that Odisha plays a significant role in the country’s methane emissions.
Led by Saroj Kumar Sahu and PhD student Ashirbad Mishra, the study was published in Earth System Science Data. It maps methane emissions across India at a fine scale, covering 25 different sources, both human-made and natural. This information helps fill a gap in understanding greenhouse gas emissions in India.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. It traps heat much more effectively than carbon dioxide, contributing to climate changes that can lead to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves and floods. The study estimates that India emitted around 37.79 teragrams of methane in 2023, with about 75% coming from human activities. Agriculture is the primary source, accounting for up to 50% of emissions, mainly from livestock and rice cultivation. Other major contributors include wetlands, fossil fuels, and waste management.
Odisha stands out, contributing about 6% of India’s methane emissions. It ranks among the top five states for wetland emissions, thanks to its extensive water bodies and coastal ecosystems. The state is also significant in fossil fuel emissions due to coal mining and thermal power generation.
The research highlights that rural and semi-urban areas emit more methane than cities. This is mainly due to livestock and traditional farming practices. Notably, this inventory is the first to include natural sources like wetlands and termites, providing a fuller picture of India’s methane emissions.
The impacts of these findings are crucial. For regions like Odisha, they serve as a vital tool for better environmental planning and targeted interventions in areas like agriculture and energy. The researchers believe this work will enhance India’s climate response through region-specific data.
Looking at the bigger picture, understanding methane emissions is essential for fighting climate change. In 2021, a report from the Global Methane Pledge revealed that reducing methane emissions could significantly limit global warming. Many experts agree that tackling methane is one of the quickest ways to address climate issues.
For the people of Odisha and India, this study is more than just numbers. It’s a call to action, offering insight into how we can manage our resources better and move toward a more sustainable future.
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India methane emission inventory 2023, Berhampur University methane study, Saroj Kumar Sahu research, Odisha methane emissions wetlands coal mining, Earth System Science Data publication
