Highlights: Energy still at record levels of methane emissions, one of the worst greenhouse gases. The quantity of methane emitted in relation to the production of fossil fuels has decreased slightly compared to 2019. Methane, the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2, is the natural gas molecule, which escapes from gas pipelines, coal mines and our gas cookers. Around 580 million tonnes of methane are emitted each year, 60% of which is attributable to human activity (mainly agriculture) and almost a third to natural wetlands.

Last year, emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, in the energy sector remained near their record, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its Global…

Energy still at record levels of methane emissions, one of the worst greenhouse gases

Last year, emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, in the energy sector remained near their record, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its Global Methane Tracker published this Wednesday.

However, they are largely avoidable.

The quantity of methane emitted in relation to the production of fossil fuels has decreased slightly compared to 2019 (illustrative image).

Getty Images - Alexandros Maragos

By: RFI with AFP

The fossil fuel sector (oil, natural gas, coal) represents more than a third of total methane emissions attributable to human activity.

Global methane emissions from this industry, mainly due to leaks of this powerful greenhouse gas, remained at record levels in 2023, according to an analysis published Wednesday by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Energy production linked to oil, gas and coal “

resulted in around 120 million tonnes of methane emissions in 2023, a slight increase from 2022

”.

Another ten million tonnes come from bioenergy, such as wood burned for cooking stoves, adds the IEA in this 2024 edition of its

Global Methane Tracker

Methane, the second most important greenhouse gas after CO2, is the natural gas molecule, which escapes from gas pipelines, coal mines and our gas cookers, but also from cows, rice fields and waste.

Around 580 million tonnes of methane are emitted each year, 60% of which is attributable to human activity (mainly agriculture) and almost a third to natural wetlands.

Major efforts therefore remain to be made to meet climate objectives, even if the quantity of methane emitted in relation to the production of fossil fuels has decreased slightly compared to 2019, a record year, according to estimates from the Global Methane Tracker, which draws on the most recent data and readings from satellites and ground measurements.

But, to limit global warming to 1.5°C as stipulated in the Paris agreement, they must decrease absolutely and drastically.

There should be a 75% reduction by 2030 in methane emissions linked to the exploitation of fossil fuels.

Avoidable

And the account is not there.

According to IEA calculations, taking into account all the promises made by States and companies, including at COP28

the reduction would only be 50% by 2030. And that is only if all promises are fully kept.

However, for the moment, notes the IEA, many announcements are not supported by detailed plans.

Taking into account only detailed measures, the drop would be 20% between 2023 and 2030.

Reducing the demand for fossil fuels will not be enough.

Leaks linked to production or transport must be reduced.

The good news is that it's possible.

Two thirds of these emissions could be avoided using known and often inexpensive techniques.

They can even make a profit.

The methane could be resold.

The majority of investments would also become profitable with a carbon tax of $20 per tonne of CO2 equivalent.

Also read Climate: “Europe has long believed that it was immune to the impacts of climate change”

Energy still at record levels of methane emissions, one of the worst greenhouse gases

Energy still at record levels of methane emissions, one of the worst greenhouse gases

Avoidable

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