Why is it in the news?
- The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) Report 2023, titled ‘An Eye on Methane,’ has been released.
- It provides decision-makers a framework of action to track and monitor methane emissions for targeted mitigation actions.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Global anthropogenic methane emissions contribute to approximately 30% of Earth’s current warming.
- Major contributors include the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors.
- Key Measures for Emission Reduction: Mapping hotspots for targeted actions; Promotion of Gas Mapping LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to detect emission leakage from mines; and utilization of methane from wastewater treatment plants as a fuel.
| Global Initiatives
· Global Methane Pledge: Launched at COP26 (2021) to catalyze action for reducing methane emissions; India is not a signatory. · Global Methane Initiative: International public-private partnership supporting methane-to-energy projects.
Measures in India · National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture: Addresses methane emissions in the agriculture sector. · India GHG Program: Industry-led voluntary framework for greenhouse gas reduction. · GOBAR-Dhan Scheme: Focused on converting cattle dung into biogas, reducing methane emissions. |
IMEO
- Operates under UN Environment Program.
- Launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2021.
- Utilizes satellites through the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS). MARS was launched at CoP27 in 2022.
- Involvement in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0).
| About Methane (CH4)
· Powerful greenhouse gas with a lifespan of 12 years. · Global Warming Potential more than 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). · Primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone. |
