Global Methane Surge: A Looming Climate Crisis
Global, Thursday, 12 September 2024.
New research reveals methane emissions are rising at an unprecedented rate, threatening climate stability. Despite global pledges, human activities continue to drive increases, with China and Southeast Asia showing the largest growth. This surge aligns with worst-case climate scenarios, potentially pushing global temperatures beyond critical thresholds.
Methane’s Potency and Sources
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping approximately 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. This makes it a critical target for short-term climate action. Human activities contribute significantly, with agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste management accounting for two-thirds of global emissions. Notably, the largest increases in emissions are attributed to coal mining, oil and gas production, cattle and sheep ranching, and decomposing organic waste in landfills[1].
Global Methane Pledge: A Struggling Initiative
In an effort to combat rising methane levels, over 150 countries have committed to the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. However, the goals of this pledge appear increasingly elusive. Nations like China, Russia, and India, which are among the highest emitters, have not signed the pledge, contributing to the challenge of achieving global targets[2].
Regional Disparities in Emission Trends
While the European Union and Australia have managed to decrease methane emissions over the past two decades, other regions have seen significant increases. China and Southeast Asia, in particular, have shown the largest regional spikes, driven primarily by industrial and agricultural activities. In 2020, these regions contributed to a substantial portion of the nearly 42 million tonnes of methane added to the atmosphere[3].
Technological Innovations for Mitigation
Innovative approaches are emerging to tackle methane emissions. For instance, a commercial trial in Australia reported a 28% reduction in methane emissions from cattle fed a seaweed supplement. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of such interventions on a larger scale[4]. Additionally, the EU’s methane regulation, passed in May 2024, mandates fossil fuel companies to measure and report emissions, potentially reducing one-third of global methane emissions from this sector[5].
Urgent Need for Coordinated Action
Scientists emphasize the urgent need for coordinated global action to stabilize methane levels. Cutting methane emissions is viewed as one of the fastest ways to reduce near-term warming and keep the 1.5°C target within reach. The deployment of advanced technologies, such as satellite observatories to precisely identify emission sources, could play a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating methane emissions. However, achieving significant reductions will require comprehensive participation from all major emitting countries and sectors[6].
Bronnen
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