International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the Global Methane Tracker 2025, its annual assessment tool that offers sector-wise and country-wise estimates of methane emissions, mainly focusing on the energy sector. The tracker integrates data from satellite observations, field campaigns, and public sources, providing a comprehensive picture of methane emissions from energy, agriculture, and waste sectors.
Global Methane Tracker 2025 Key Highlights
- Methane Emissions Have Not Peaked Yet:
- Over 120 million tonnes (Mt) of methane emitted annually from fossil fuel operations.
- Abandoned oil wells and coal mines, included for the first time, emitted ~8 Mt in 2024.
- Bioenergy use, especially traditional biomass burning in developing countries, added another 20 Mt.
- Energy Sector Share:
- Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal, bioenergy) contribute to over 35% of human-induced methane emissions.
- The fossil fuel sector alone emitted ~200 bcm of methane globally in 2024.
- Undetected Emissions a Major Concern:
- In most countries, methane emissions are underreported due to lack of real-time measurements.
- Measured emissions are usually higher than reported figures.
- Canada updated its methodology recently, leading to a 35% increase in reported fugitive emissions from oil & gas.
- Satellite Monitoring:
- 25+ satellites, including newly operational MethaneSAT and Tanager-1 (2024), now track methane leaks with high precision.
- New Additions in 2025 Tracker:
- Historical emissions data by country.
- Interactive tools for exploring international methane control initiatives.
- Estimates from abandoned fossil fuel sites.
- Open-access model to simulate abatement options in oil and gas.
Global Methane Reduction Initiatives
- Methane Pledges Cover ~80% of Global Oil & Gas Output, but implementation remains weak. Examples:
- Global Methane Pledge (COP26, 2021)
- Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0
- Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter
- International Methane Emissions Observatory (UNEP)
- Global Methane Initiative
- Notable Participants Added Recently:
- Azerbaijan, PetroChina, Nigerian National Petroleum Company etc.
- Abatement Potential:
- 70% of emissions from the fossil fuel sector can be avoided using existing low-cost technology.
- Reducing flaring and methane leaks can make ~100 bcm of natural gas available, improving energy security.
Climate & Public Health Relevance
- Methane- 30% contributor to global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
- 0.1°C warming can be avoided by 2050 through immediate methane mitigation in fossil fuel sectors (IEA Stated Policies Scenario).
- Lack of clean cooking access contributes to:
- 3 million premature deaths annually.
- Heavy methane emissions from traditional biomass use (especially in Africa and Asia-Pacific).
- Over 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking.
- Natural Gas vs Coal:
- Natural gas generally has lower life-cycle GHG emissions than coal, making it a cleaner energy option despite methane concerns.
About International Energy Agency (IEA)
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1974 (post 1973-74 oil crisis) |
| HQ | Paris, France |
| Membership | 31 member countries, 13 associate countries, 5 accession countries |
| India’s Status | Associate Member |
| Membership Eligibility | OECD member + 90 days of strategic oil reserves |
| Purpose | Coordinate energy policies, enhance energy security, promote sustainability |
| Structure | Autonomous inter-governmental body under the OECD framework |
India’s Initiatives to Reduce Methane Emissions
- GobarDhan Scheme – Promotes bio-gas production from organic waste.
- National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme – Encourages sustainable rural energy.
- Participates in Global Methane Pledge and Global Methane Initiative.
Why Methane Mitigation Matters
- Short-lived but potent GHG- Methane traps ~80 times more heat than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
- Mitigation yields rapid climate benefits and improves air quality.
- High-return abatement options exist, especially in the oil & gas sector.