Methane Emissions Surge, Threatening Climate Goals

Researchers warn that methane emissions are rising at an unprecedented rate, jeopardizing global climate targets, Al Jazeera revealed in an article yesterday.

A study by the Global Carbon Project reveals a 20% increase in methane concentrations over the past two decades, with the most significant surges occurring in the last five years. The primary drivers include coal mining, oil and gas production, cattle ranching, and decomposing waste.

In 2020 alone, 41.8 million tonnes of methane entered the atmosphere, doubling the average annual emissions from the 2010s and exceeding previous decades. The largest increases are attributed to China and Southeast Asia, linked to coal extraction and landfills.

Despite the “Global Methane Pledge,” which aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030, progress remains elusive, particularly as key nations like China, Russia, and India have not signed on. Experts warn that rising methane levels undermine efforts to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, casting doubt on the effectiveness of current global commitments.