Methane abatement
Energy-related methane emissions are significant but cost-effectively addressable.
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- >80X
- Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. Its global warming potential is >80X that of CO2 over a 20-year period.
Methane emissions from the oil & gas sector alone account for ~4% of global GHG emissions (CO2-e basis).
Emissions
Global greenhouse gas emissions – share of total (2019)
Background
Global energy-related methane emissions account for ~7% of anthropogenic GHG on a CO2-equivalent basis.
- ~7%
- of anthropogenic GHG on a CO2-equivalent basis.
Oil & gas accounts for ~62% of energy-related methane emissions, either through venting, fugitive emissions, or incomplete flaring.
- ~62%
- of energy-related methane emissions.
Source: Climate Watch; Our Word in Data; IEA; EIA
Current State
Since COP26 in 2021, more than 150 countries have signed onto the Global Methane Pledge, committing to reduce methane emissions 30% by 2030 relative to 2020 levels.
Meeting the Global Methane Pledge target has the potential to reduce end-of-century warming by 0.2°C.
Many countries have oil & gas methane emissions regulations in place, but more action is needed.
Solution Details
