Explained: Why We Require Precise Methane Emissions Data in Mitigating Global Warming?

Chandigarh (ABC Live): The emissions of greenhouse gases are one of main causes responsible for Global Warming. 

Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane, three groups of fluorinated gases (sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs)) are the major anthropogenic greenhouse gases.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide during the 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere. And the oil and gas industry is a major emitter.

Methane can be released at various stages of production, including during exploration, extraction, transportation and storage. It can also leak from equipment such as valves, pumps, and pipelines during the transportation and storage of natural gas.

Reducing methane emissions is one of the most effective steps the energy sector can take to help tackle the climate crisis. The Paris Agreement cannot be achieved without reducing methane emissions by 40-45 per cent by 2030. 

At current emission rates, before 2030 temperatures may have increased by 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) over pre-industrial levels, which is the limit for the G7 countries and aspirational limit of the Paris Agreement.

Measuring methane with precision is considered key to reaching those targets. This is why in 2021; UNEP launched the International Methane Emissions Observatory.

An Eye on Methane: International Methane Emissions Observatory 2022 Report delves into the progress made to achieve deep reduction of methane emissions, starting with the fossil fuel sector.

The Report says that, “Emissions of methane, the second biggest driver of global warming, have soared faster than at any time since the 1980s. To keep the average temperature increase at 1.5°C, the world needs urgently to reduce methane emissions by about a third, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report published in April 2022. Slashing emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas is the single fastest way to tackle climate change in the short-term and move towards a net-zero world.”

Further An Eye on Methane conveys following messages for policy makers 

Methane Contributes to At Least a Quarter of Today’s Climate 

The oil and gas sector can reduce methane emissions by 75% by 2030.

More accurate data will enable more targeted action.

For reading complete International Methane Emissions Observatory 2022 Report click here