IEA predicts drop in methane emissions fairly soon

The most recent analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that methane emissions from fossil fuels, although showing a slight increase in 2023, are projected to decline in the coming years.

As per the IEA’s Global Methane Tracker report, emissions from the energy sector remained near record levels in 2023, reaching nearly 120 million tonnes, along with an extra ten million tonnes from bioenergy sources.

The top 10 countries with the highest emissions from fossil fuels contributed around 80 million tonnes of methane, with the US, Russia, and China leading the charts in their respective sectors.

Satellite data has revealed a notable rise in significant leaks from fossil fuels in 2023, including emissions from a prolonged well blowout in Kazakhstan.

Despite these setbacks, the efforts to reduce methane emissions are ramping up, especially following the commitments made at COP28.

Almost 200 countries have pledged to make substantial cuts to methane emissions by 2030, with additional regulatory measures being introduced by key players such as Canada, the EU, and the US.