In the fight against climate change, tackling methane emissions is crucial. Martina Otto, head of the UN Climate and Clean Air Coalition, describes it as a “climate emergency break.” Though methane doesn’t linger as long in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, it is significantly more powerful, trapping heat over 80 times more effectively in a 20-year span. It contributes to about a third of global warming.
Despite some progress in recent years, we need to speed up efforts to reduce methane emissions. A recent UN report highlights that almost 160 countries aim to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. This goal aligns with the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Since the Global Methane Pledge launched at the 2021 climate summit in Glasgow, there’s been heightened attention towards methane. Dan Jorgensen, the EU commissioner for energy, notes that many countries are developing plans to tackle methane emissions. More than 90 countries are now part of the UN’s methane reporting and measurement program.
However, emissions are still on the rise. The report warns that under current laws, methane could increase by 5% by 2030. This could have been worse without the global pledge. A slowdown in gas market growth and new regulations, especially in the EU, are helping to curb emissions.
It’s promising that 65% of countries submitting new climate plans by June included methane measures, a jump of nearly 40% since 2020. If these plans are fully executed, they could reduce emissions by 8%. Yet, this is not enough to meet the 30% target set in 2021. Lena Höglund-Isaksson, a senior researcher from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, emphasizes that we need more ambitious actions.
Methane emissions mainly stem from human activities, accounting for about 60% of the total. Agriculture produces roughly 42%, primarily from livestock and manure, while 20% comes from decomposing waste in landfills. The energy sector, especially oil and gas, contributes significantly through leaks and venting.
Many nations have made strides in cutting methane, especially from agriculture and waste. Innovations like landfill gas recovery systems are being adopted. However, the energy sector presents the biggest opportunities for emission cuts. Höglund-Isaksson notes that about 72% of potential methane reductions come from this sector, often at low costs. Implementing leak detection and repair programs is essential.
Despite the availability of cost-effective technologies, many companies hesitate to act until forced by regulations. It’s often more profitable for them to focus on production rather than cutting emissions.
More regulation, investment, and monitoring are critical to meeting methane reduction goals. Luc Powell, a senior policy officer at the European Environmental Bureau, insists that mandatory action is needed, not just voluntary commitments. According to the UN, nearly 90% of methane emissions detected through improved satellite monitoring remain unaddressed.
Powell added that this lack of attention not only harms the environment but also businesses’ profitability, as companies miss potential savings from reducing leaks. Otto stressed the need for increased public and private investment in mitigation efforts, highlighting that the benefits far surpass the costs. If we meet the global methane pledge, it could prevent an estimated 0.2 degrees Celsius of warming by 2050.
As scientists warn of likely surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, focusing on methane is more critical than ever. Powell summed it up perfectly: declaring it “critical feels like an understatement.” Addressing methane is an urgent and necessary part of our global climate strategy.
For more on methane emissions and their impact, check out the full UN report.
