23-March-2024-Editorial

GLOBAL METHANE TRACKER 2024

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Global Methane Tracker 2024, highlighting concerning trends in methane emissions worldwide.

Methane emissions from fuel usage reached near-record levels in 2023, underlining the urgency of addressing this potent greenhouse gas.

Major Highlights of Global Methane Tracker 2024:

Methane Emissions Overview:

• In 2023, methane emissions from fossil fuels totaled close to 120 million tonnes (Mt).
• An additional 10 Mt of methane emissions came from bioenergy, mainly from biomass use, a level consistent since 2019.

Rise of Major Methane Emissions Events:

• Major methane emissions events surged by over 50% in 2023 compared to 2022.
• Notable incidents included significant fossil fuel leaks globally, with over 5 million metric tons of methane emissions.
• A major well blowout in Kazakhstan persisted for over 200 days, indicating the severity of these events.

Top Emitting Countries:

• Nearly 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels originate from the top 10 emitting countries.
• The United States leads in methane emissions from oil and gas operations, followed closely by Russia.
• China ranks highest in methane emissions from the coal sector.

Importance of Cutting Methane Emissions:

• Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
• Achieving this goal requires approximately USD 170 billion in spending, less than 5% of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.
• Around 40% of emissions from fossil fuels in 2023 could have been avoided at no net cost.

Understanding Methane:

About Methane:

• Methane, represented by CH4, is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
• It is odorless, colorless, lighter than air, and burns with a blue flame in complete combustion.

Contribution to Global Warming:

• Methane ranks as the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2), with a 20-year global warming potential (GWP) of 84.
• Despite its shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2, methane contributes significantly to global warming, accounting for about 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the preindustrial era.

Major Sources of Methane Emission:

• Natural sources such as wetlands and agricultural activities contribute to methane emissions.
• Combustion and industrial processes, including burning of fossil fuels and biomass, also release methane.
• Agricultural practices like enteric fermentation and rice cultivation are significant contributors to methane emissions.

Global Methane Pledge:

• Launched at UNFCCC COP26, the Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction in global methane emissions from 2020 levels by 2030.
• India’s decision not to sign the pledge stems from concerns regarding its focus on methane reduction over CO2, potential impacts on agriculture-dependent livelihoods, and the country’s significant role in rice production and livestock farming.

Way Forward:

Improved Agricultural Practices:

• Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices like precision farming and integrated crop-livestock systems can reduce methane emissions from agricultural activities.

Methane-Capturing Technologies:

• Implementation of methane capture technologies in livestock operations and landfills can convert methane into usable energy, mitigating emissions.

Rice Cultivation Techniques:

• Promotion of techniques like System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) can significantly lower methane emissions from rice paddies.

Biogas Production:

• Encouraging biogas production from organic waste offers a renewable energy source while mitigating methane emissions from waste decomposition.