Methane emissions keep climbing in "worrying" trend
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Fresh data shows the persistence of fossil fuel methane emissions — but with it offers hope of potential changes.
Why it matters: It's a powerful planet-warming gas, and the energy industry is the second-largest source of human-caused methane (after agriculture).
- Meeting Paris targets requires steep cuts.
Driving the news: Energy-related emissions inched up in 2023 and remain around 2019's record levels, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday morning.
- There is a small silver lining. While fossil fuel use has expanded, methane intensity — that is, amount per unit of production — has dropped a bit.
The big picture: Roughly 70% of methane from fossil fuel production comes from the top 10 emitting nations, IEA finds.
- The U.S. is the largest source from oil and gas operations, while China is tops from coal.
Friction point: The agency sees both "signs of progress and some worrying trends."
- There's no shortage of pledges, including new ones at last year's UN climate summit, and emissions are falling in some areas.
- If all national and corporate targets are fully met, methane from fossil fuels would drop 50% by 2030.
Yes, but: At least for now, the landscape of national and corporate pledges is strewn with mirages.
- "[I]n most cases, these pledges are not yet backed up by detailed plans, policies and regulations," IEA finds.
The intrigue: Steep cuts are quite feasible — in theory.
- IEA estimates two-thirds of methane from fossil fuels can be avoided with known and existing tech, "often at low — or even negative — cost."
The bottom line: Despite signs of progress, the heavy lifting remains.
