Methane emissions from energy sector near record high in 2023, IEA says
Methane emissions from the energy sector remained near a record high in 2023 despite commitments from the oil and gas industry to address leaking infrastructure, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA is optimistic that new satellites could improve monitoring and transparency of methane leaks, a significant greenhouse gas. Methane emissions have been stable since 2019, with over 120 million metric tonnes released into the atmosphere in the last year, a slight increase over 2022. Large methane plumes from leaky fossil fuel infrastructure increased by 50% in 2023 compared to 2022, with a notable event being a well blowout in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days. Nearly 200 countries agreed at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai to cut methane emissions substantially, building on a previous commitment to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by the end of the decade. However, countries and companies are under-reporting their methane emissions compared to the IEA’s estimates. New satellites, including one backed by Alphabet Inc’s Google and the Environmental Defense Fund, are expected to enhance methane emission monitoring. The IEA anticipates that 2024 will be a significant year for action and transparency on methane emissions.