A recent United Nations report has indicated that global efforts to reduce methane emissions are falling short of commitments. According to the International Energy Agency, the oil, gas, and coal industries alone emit an estimated 12,000,000 metric tons of methane annually, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated action.
The report highlights a critical gap between current emission levels and the targets set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. While several international programs are in place to monitor and cut methane emissions, the pace of implementation remains inadequate to meet the required reductions.
Experts emphasize that methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 10-year period. This makes it a significant contributor to climate change, necessitating immediate and substantial policy interventions.