Rising Methane Emissions Pose Dire Threat Amid Climate Crisis

Despite the availability of technology to mitigate methane emissions at minimal cost, the fossil fuel industry witnessed a surge in methane releases in 2023, nearing record levels, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to address methane emissions, which rank second only to carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming. The IEA emphasized that reducing methane leaks from oil and gas operations is imperative for achieving international climate targets.

Highlighting methane’s significant role in climate change, the agency called the persistent high emissions from fossil fuel activities a “massive missed opportunity” and urged swift action to curb them. With methane emissions escalating for three consecutive years, urgent measures are needed to translate pledges into concrete policies, both from countries and fossil fuel companies. The IEA’s report underscores the critical importance of immediate action to mitigate methane emissions and mitigate the worsening climate crisis.