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Understanding Methane:
- Composition: Methane (CH4) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas, lighter than air, primarily found in natural gas.
- Global Warming Impact: It is the second most significant greenhouse gas after CO2, with a 20-year global warming potential 84 times more than CO2, contributing about 30% to global temperature rise since the pre-industrial era.
- Sources of Emissions: Major methane sources include wetlands, agricultural activities (rice paddies and livestock), combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and industrial processes like landfills and wastewater treatment.
International Energy Agency (IEA)
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Key points from Global Methane Tracker 2024:
- Methane emissions from fossil fuels in 2023 nearly hit a record high, totaling close to 130 million tonnes (Mt)
- Over 50% increase in major methane emissions events in 2023 compared to 2022
- The top 10 emitting countries account for nearly 70% of fossil fuel methane emissions, with the US leading in oil and gas sectors, followed by Russia, and China dominating the coal sector.
- A 75% reduction in fossil fuel methane emissions by 2030 is essential to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Why in News:
- Recently, the Global Methane Tracker 2024 was released by the International Energy Agency.
