IEA’s Global Methane Tracker 2025
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and is responsible for about 30% of the increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. Its atmospheric concentration has risen , now being 2.5 times higher than preindustrial levels.
Sources of Methane Emissions
The main sources of methane emissions include agriculture, energy, and waste. The energy sector alone accounts for over 35% of human-related methane emissions. Within this sector, oil operations contributed around 45 million tonnes, natural gas operations nearly 35 million tonnes, and abandoned wells around 3 million tonnes. Coal also plays a role, emitting over 40 million tonnes, with contributions from abandoned mines and end-use equipment.
The Role of Bioenergy
Bioenergy is another source, responsible for approximately 18 million tonnes of methane emissions. This primarily results from the incomplete combustion of traditional biomass used for cooking and heating in developing countries. Modern bioenergy technologies, such as biogas and biofuels, also contribute to methane emissions but offer lower emissions options if managed correctly.
Reducing Methane Emissions
The IEA suggests that up to 70% of methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector could be reduced using current technologies. For the oil and gas sectors, 75% of emissions could be mitigated through measures like upgrading equipment and sealing leaky wells. The report marks the importance of addressing emissions from abandoned facilities, which could rank among the largest sources of fossil fuel methane emissions globally.
Global Methane Pledge
The Global Methane Pledge (GMP) aims to collectively reduce methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. However, many countries have yet to commit to specific measures. Notably, high-emission countries such as China and India have not joined GMP. Only a small number of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include concrete measures for reducing energy-related methane emissions.
Financial Implications
The financial requirements for reducing methane emissions are substantial. The IEA estimates that $175 billion is needed for the oil and gas sector and $85 billion for the coal sector to achieve reductions. The responsibility for funding these measures largely falls on fossil fuel companies, which could cover these costs with a minimal impact on their net income.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the potential for reductions, actual implementation of methane reduction strategies remains limited. Many countries underestimate their methane emissions, leading to discrepancies between reported figures and IEA estimates. The financing gap for methane abatement in low- and middle-income countries is considerable, denoting the need for international cooperation and investment.
| Related | |
|---|---|
