Energy Sector Methane Emissions Set to Hit Near-Peak Levels by 2024: IEA
Energy Sector Methane Emissions Approach Record Highs in 2024, According to Energy Agency Report - Energy Sector Methane Emissions Reach Near Record Highs in 2024 (According to Energy Agency)
Hey there! Let's get straight to the point – methane emissions in the energy sector are expected to soar to near-record highs by 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Here's a breakdown of what's happening and why it matters.
The Energy Sector's Carbon Contribution
The energy sector is responsible for around one-third of all human-induced methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that's about 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Methane slips out from gas pipelines, energy infrastructure, and deliberately during facility maintenance.
Laggard Implementation of Methane Measures
Despite multiple pledges to cut methane emissions, the implementation of these measures has fallen short. The IEA's Director, Fatih Birol, admitted that the energy sector hasn't made significant progress in reducing methane emissions, especially compared to the ambitious reduction targets.
The Sluggish Reduction in Methane Emissions
In 2024, the global methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector amounted to approximately 120 million tonnes – a consistency with levels seen since 2019. This stability in emissions, despite the growing awareness and pledges to reduce them, should raise some eyebrows.
The Major Players in Global Methane Emissions
Four key countries – China, Russia, the United States, and Iran – account for more than half of the world's fossil fuel-related methane emissions. These nations each contribute about:
- 20% from China
- 16% from Russia
- 11% from the US
- 5% from Iran
The Role of Abandoned Sites in Methane Emissions
The IEA has expanded its analysis to include emissions from abandoned fossil fuel facilities, including coal mines. These sites contributed 7.7 million tonnes of methane in 2024. The top contributors of abandoned site emissions are:
- 36% from China
- 21% from the US
- 12% from Russia
The Technological Possibilities for Reducing Methane Emissions
About 70% of methane emissions from the energy sector could be prevented using currently available technology. However, less than 5% of oil and gas production adheres to near-zero methane emission standards, indicating that there's significant room for improvement.
The Implications of Methane Emissions on Climate Change
Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, contributing about 30% of human-induced global warming since the industrial revolution. Reducing methane emissions could slow down global warming and prevent an approximate 0.1 degrees Celsius increase in the global temperature by 2050. This impact is comparable to eliminating all carbon emissions from the world's heavy industries at once!
All things considered, it's clear that addressing methane emissions aggressively is crucial in our fight against climate change. Let's get this show on the road!
References
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Scientific American
- The Guardian
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- The energy sector, responsible for a third of human-induced methane emissions, has yet to make significant progress in reducing these potent greenhouse gases, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
- Despite pledges to cut methane emissions, implementation has fallen short, as acknowledged by IEA's Director Fatih Birol.
- By 2024, global methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector are expected to remain consistent with levels seen since 2019, contributing significantly to climate-change, especially considering methane's potency and damage to the environment.
){kind=link}