‘Emissions from fossil fuels, waste management industries cut will mitigate methane levels’

A report by experts has shown that cuts to emissions from fossil fuels and waste management industries are most feasible to mitigate rising methane levels, adding that the agricultural sector, although harder to reform, also has significant reduction potential. The report said Methane levels are surging and enforceable policies for emission reductions are essential. It […]

A report by experts has shown that cuts to emissions from fossil fuels and waste management industries are most feasible to mitigate rising methane levels, adding that the agricultural sector, although harder to reform, also has significant reduction potential.

The report said Methane levels are surging and enforceable policies for emission reductions are essential.

It said Atmospheric methane levels have grown substantially since 2006, mainly due to rising emissions from human sources and growing emissions of methane from fossil fuels, livestock and waste are the main drivers, followed by more variable natural sources. 

“There has also been a growth in natural methane emissions due to climate-driven feedback. Without rapid action to curb greenhouse gas emissions from human sources, these natural sources of methane – such as wetlands – are likely to continue to grow, requiring greater reductions from human activities,” the report said.

We have enough information about methane emissions to take action, but enforceable policies to drive reductions are vital.

According to the report, “It may be short-lived but methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with rising emissions of methane accounting for an increase of 0.5°C in average global temperatures since the late 1800s. Following a plateau in the early 2000s, atmospheric methane levels have resumed growth since 2006, with the last five years seeing the fastest rise ever since records began.

“Rapid and deep cuts in methane emissions from human activities are vital, alongside efforts to curb carbon dioxide emissions, in order to limit warming within the Paris Agreement goals,” the report added.

The report further said: “Methane emissions reductions are tractable and have been demonstrated, but with only 13% of methane emissions currently covered by mitigation policies, stronger and more consistent action is needed to reverse the trend in atmospheric methane.”

On policy implication, the report said rising levels of atmospheric methane are directly at odds with the reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

“Emissions from human activities must decrease significantly in the near term. A large portion of these reductions is feasible through the deployment of existing technologies, particularly in the fossil fuel and waste sectors, many of which are low-cost.”