According to the UN, the majority of methane leaks identified by satellites — around 90% — are still not officially acknowledged by governments or oil and gas companies.
A new report from the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) notes that more than 17 satellites monitored 3,500 leaks, but only 12% of alerts received any response. This marks some progress compared with last year, when just 1% of alerts prompted action.
Experts say that while methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, it is far more effective at trapping heat. As a result, reducing methane emissions is considered the fastest way to curb near-term climate warming.
In 2021, over 150 countries pledged to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
The report states that out of all the alerts, only 25 incidents led to immediate action to halt large-scale leaks.
Meanwhile, international investors with total assets of €4.5 trillion ($5.3 trillion) have urged the EU not to weaken methane regulations, warning that any relaxation aimed at boosting US LNG imports could seriously undermine climate goals.
IMEO head Giulia Ferrini said that current monitoring focuses mainly on the oil and gas sector, but in future, other major sources including metal production, waste, and agriculture will also be included.
Experts warn: “Tackling methane leaks is one of the most important steps that can be taken in the near term to slow climate warming.”
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claim...
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorism plot targeting a major Islamic gathering in Suffolk, promp...
Ukraine and a group of key Western allies have launched a new air defence coalition to develop a European anti-ballistic missile system that will comp...
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorism plot targeting a major Islamic gathering in Suffolk, prompting counter-terrorism police to declare a major incident and bring the event to an early close.
Ukraine and a group of key Western allies have launched a new air defence coalition to develop a European anti-ballistic missile system that will complement existing defences and reduce reliance on the costly U.S.-made Patriot system.
Two endangered loggerhead sea turtles have been released into the Mediterranean from Türkiye's Antalya province as part of a conservation project to track their migration and strengthen protection efforts.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
Qatar is mourning the death of its former ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who has passed away at the age of 74.
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorism plot targeting a major Islamic gathering in Suffolk, prompting counter-terrorism police to declare a major incident and bring the event to an early close.
Ukraine and a group of key Western allies have launched a new air defence coalition to develop a European anti-ballistic missile system that will complement existing defences and reduce reliance on the costly U.S.-made Patriot system.
Russian athletes will once again be allowed to represent their country in international modern pentathlon competitions after the sport's governing body lifted restrictions on their participation, marking another step in Russia's return to international sport.
The AFC/M23 rebel movement is using its response to a small Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as evidence of its ability to govern territory under its control, establishing parallel health structures and relying partly on support from neighbouring Rwanda.
Britain has moved to target Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and another Iran-linked organisation using new state-threat powers following a series of antisemitic incidents across the country.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment