The Global Methane Tracker 2025, released by the International Energy Agency (IEA), presents a comprehensive assessment of global methane emissions, particularly those related to the energy sector. It highlights the alarming trend that energy-related methane emissions have yet to reach a definitive peak, with fossil fuel production and limited mitigation efforts keeping annual emissions above 120 million tonnes.
Why in the News?
The Global Methane Tracker 2025 is in the news for revealing that methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector remain critically high, with new data showing that emissions are widely underreported by most countries. The report also introduces emissions from abandoned wells and mines for the first time and emphasizes the potential to recover nearly 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas through methane abatement.
1. Methane Emissions Have Not Peaked
- Total energy-related methane emissions remain over 120 million tonnes (Mt) annually.
- Fossil fuels contribute ~1/3 of human-caused methane, with abandoned wells/mines adding 8 Mt in 2024.
- Bioenergy use (mainly traditional biomass in developing economies) contributes 20 Mt.
2. Fossil Fuel Sector: Immediate Reduction Potential
- Only ~5% of oil & gas production meets near-zero methane standards.
- Solutions to reduce emissions are available and often low or negative cost.
- Despite global pledges, implementation is weak and verifiable reductions are rare.
3. Methane Emissions from Oil, Gas & Coal (2010–2024)
- Emissions from upstream oil/gas and steam coal remain significant.
- Abandoned facilities newly included and contribute to rising emission totals.
4. Underreporting is a Major Problem
- IEA estimates are 80% higher than national reports to the UNFCCC.
- Few countries use measurement-based data; Europe is an exception.
5. Satellites Reveal Hidden Emissions
- 25+ satellites now monitor methane. New launches in 2024 include MethaneSAT and Tanager-1.
- MethaneSAT detects dispersed emitters (<500 kg/hr), which are a large portion of emissions.
- Super-emitting events hit a record in 2024, as per Sentinel 5P data.
6. Weak Implementation of Methane Pledges
- ~80% of oil & gas production is covered by some methane pledge.
- But only 5% is covered by corporate near-zero methane targets.
- Major emitters and many companies have not yet committed or set strong targets.
7. Data Gaps & Solutions
- Some regions (e.g., Russia’s north, Venezuela) have poor satellite visibility.
- MMRV systems (Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting & Verification) are essential.
Proven policies include,
- Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)
- Low/no-emission equipment
- Ban on routine flaring/venting
8. Energy Security Benefits
- Reducing methane leaks/flaring could unlock ~100 bcm of natural gas.
- An additional 150 bcm is flared annually, mostly needlessly.
- IEA-UK Energy Security Summit (April 2025) highlighted methane abatement as a key tool for energy resilience.
9. Positive Steps by Some Nations and Companies
- Canada revised its emissions data (+35% higher).
- Some firms (e.g., TotalEnergies, ConocoPhillips) meet UNEP’s highest reporting standards.
10. Global Call to Action
- Nearly 100 countries have started national methane action plans.
- EU’s 2024 regulation also targets methane from imports.
- Better data, policy enforcement, and international cooperation are critical for progress.