Context:
Global Methane Tracker 2025 has been released
Global Methane Tracker:
- Released by: International Energy Agency (IEA) annually.
- Purpose: Tracks methane emissions from the energy sector, including oil, gas, coal, and bioenergy.
- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for 30% of global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution.
Key Findings (2025 Report):
- Methane emissions from fossil fuels: Nearly 120 million tonnes (Mt) in 2023, close to record levels.
- Bioenergy emissions: Contributed 10 Mt methane emissions.
- Top methane emitters:
- Oil & Gas sector: United States (largest emitter), followed by Russia.
- Coal sector: China (highest emitter).
- Major methane leaks: Increased by 50% in 2023, including a Kazakhstan well blowout lasting 200+ days.
Global Methane Pledge:
- Launched in: November 2021 to reduce methane emissions globally.
- Participants: 100+ countries, covering 50% of global methane emissions.
- Goal: Prevent 8 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually by 2030.
Methane’s Impact on Climate:
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 84 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years.
- Short-lived greenhouse gas: Stays in the atmosphere for ~12 years, but has a strong warming effect.
Source: IEA
Previous Year Question
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Air Quality Index doesn’t include carbon dioxide and methane.