Why in the news-

• Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 reached nearly record levels, totalling 120 million tonnes (Mt), as per the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024.

What is Global Methane Tracker (GMT)?

• The IEA’s Methane Tracker is an online database that tracks oil and gas-related methane sources globally.
• It provides estimates of emissions across various sectors, including oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, with the energy sector contributing nearly 40% of human-related methane emissions
• It provides current estimates of methane emissions and highlights potential reductions achievable through existing technologies.

GMT 2024: Key Findings 

• Elevated Emissions: Satellite data revealed a more than 50% increase in large methane emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Top Emitters: The United States and Russia emerged as the largest emitters of methane from oil and gas operations, contributing significantly to global emissions.
• Fossil Fuel Leaks: Over 5 Mt of methane emissions were attributed to major fossil fuel leaks globally, including a significant blowout incident in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days.
• Cost of Emission Cut: Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 would require about $170 billion in spending – less than 5% of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.

About Methane Pollution

• Methane, is an organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
• Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
• Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substances relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
• Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
• Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years, unlike carbon dioxide.
• Sources: Cattle farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
• Energy, agriculture, and waste sectors are primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
• Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.

Global steps to curb Methane Emissions 

• Paris Agreement Goal: To limit warming to 1.5°C, methane emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced by 75% by 2030, necessitating substantial efforts and investments.
• Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by the United States and the European Union (India not signed up).
• First Global Stocktake (GST):  Released at COP28, called for countries to accelerate and substantially reduce non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including methane, by 2030. But it stopped short of providing a quantifiable target.

Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:

Q.In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulphur dioxide
5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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