Methane emissions and global warming: Mitigation technologies, policy ambitions, and global efforts

Abstract

Methane emissions are the second highest contributor to climate change. Despite having a much lower atmospheric concentration than carbon dioxide, anthropogenic methane emissions account for almost one-third of anthropogenic warming since the pre-industrial period. Recently, the reduction of methane emissions has been recognized as an effective lever for reducing the impact of climate change in the next decade with less drastic economic and industrial costs than equivalent carbon dioxide mitigation. However, the wide range of methane emission sources, many of which are intermittent and at low concentration, poses a challenge for current detection and mitigation tools. Promising technical progress has been made on both fronts over the past decade, especially within the oil and gas sector, yet widespread implementation of mitigation policies and technologies lags considerably. The 2021 Global Methane Pledge for a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 signals an increase in political will and can be achieved with these existing tools. It is estimated that the majority of these reductions can be accomplished through revenue-neutral or positive actions. Yet, a faster rate of reductions and sustained reductions beyond what is already available will be needed to maintain a 1.5◦C pathway. In the long term, more comprehensive policies, coupled with significant innovations in methane emission monitoring and mitigation, could enable an effective climate change mitigation strategy.