All Blog

Blog

Global Methane Tracker 2024

Mar 26, 2024

Why in News?

The International Energy Agency’s Global Methane Tracker 2024 indicates that methane emissions from fuel usage in 2023 were nearly at their highest level on record, representing a slight increase compared to 2022.

What are the Major Highlights of Global Methane Tracker 2024?

  • Methane Emissions Overview: In 2023, methane emissions from fossil fuels totaled close to 120 million tonnes (Mt).
    • Bioenergy (largely from biomass use) contributed a further 10 Mt methane emissions. This level has stayed constant since 2019.
  • Rise of Major Methane Emissions Events: Major methane emissions events increased by over 50% in 2023 compared to 2022.
    • These events included more than 5 million metric tons of methane emissions from significant fossil fuel leaks globally.
    • One prominent incident was a major well blowout in Kazakhstan that lasted over 200 days.
  • Top Emitting Countries: Nearly 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels come from the top 10 emitting countries.
    • The United States is the largest emitter of methane from oil and gas operations, closely followed by Russia.
    • China is the highest emitter of methane in the coal sector.
  • Importance of Cutting Methane Emissions: Cutting methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.
    • The IEA estimated that this goal would require about USD 170 billion in spending. This is 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.

What is Methane?

  • About: Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
    • It is the primary component of natural gas, possessing key characteristics:
      • Odourless, colourless, and tasteless gas.
      • Lighter than air.
      • Burns with a blue flame in complete combustion, yielding carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) in the presence of oxygen.
  • Contribution to Global Warming: Methane ranks as the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2).
    • Its 20-year global warming potential (GWP) is 84, indicating that it traps 84 times more heat per mass unit than CO2 over a 20-year period, making it a potent GHG.
      • Despite its potency, methane has a shorter atmospheric lifetime compared to CO2, classifying it as a short-lived GHG.
    • It is a significant contributor to global warming, accounting for about 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the preindustrial era.
    • Methane also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone.
  • Major Sources of Methane Emission:
    • Natural Sources:
      • Wetlands, both natural and human-made, are significant sources of methane emissions due to anaerobic decomposition of organic matter.
    • Agricultural Activities:
      • Growing paddy fields release methane due to anaerobic conditions in flooded rice paddies.
      • Excreta from cattle and other livestock undergo enteric fermentation, producing methane as a byproduct.
    • Combustion and Industrial Processes:
      • Burning of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas, releases methane emissions.
      • Biomass burning, such as wood and agricultural residues, also contributes to methane levels.
      • Industrial activities like landfills and wastewater treatment plants generate methane during organic waste decomposition in anaerobic environments.
      • Fertiliser factories and other industrial processes can also release methane during production and transportation.
  • Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions:

What is the Global Methane Pledge?

  • About: The Global Methane Pledge was launched at UNFCCC COP26 in November 2021 to catalyse action to reduce methane emissions. Led by the US and the EU, the Pledge now has 111 country participants who together are responsible for 45% of global human-caused methane emissions.
    • It aims for a 30% reduction in global methane emissions from 2020 levels by 2030.
    • India has opted not to sign the Global Methane Pledge.
  • Key Reasons for this Decision Include:
    • India contends that the primary contributor to climate change remains CO2, with a long lifespan of 100-1000 years.
      • The Pledge shifts focus to methane reduction, which has a shorter lifespan of just 12 years, thus altering the burden of CO2 reduction.
    • Methane emissions in India primarily stem from agricultural activities like enteric fermentation and paddy cultivation, affecting small, marginal, and medium farmers whose livelihoods would be jeopardised by the Pledge.
      • This contrasts with industrial agriculture prevalent in developed countries.
      • Also, given India's significant role as a rice producer and exporter, signing the Pledge could affect trade and economic prospects.
    • India hosts the world's largest cattle population, supporting the livelihoods of many.
      • However, Indian livestock's contribution to global enteric methane is minimal due to their diet rich in agricultural by-products and unconventional feed materials.

What is the International Energy Agency?