·       Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period.

·       It ranks as the second largest contributor to climate change after CO2 and is categorized as a Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP), exerting an immediate and intense warming effect on the atmosphere.

Sources of Methane:

·       Approximately 20% of India’s anthropogenic methane emissions originate from solid waste and landfills, highlighting the significance of waste management in methane mitigation efforts.

·       Leakage from natural gas, oil and gas fields, and oil refineries contributes to methane emissions, emphasizing the importance of controlling fossil fuel extraction and processing activities.

·       Methane emissions from agriculture stem from enteric fermentation in livestock rearing and rice cultivation, indicating the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

·       Other sources include wetlands and industrial activities such as textile production.

Initiatives to Reduce Methane Emissions

Global Initiatives:

·       UNEP Global Methane Initiative: Aims to advance cost-effective methane abatement strategies through international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

·       Global Methane Pledge: Seeks to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. However, India has not signed this pledge.

India’s Initiatives:

·       Gobar Dhan Scheme: Promotes the conversion of organic waste into resources, reducing methane emissions from waste decomposition.

·       National Biogas and Manure Management Program: Facilitates the capture and utilization of methane emissions from organic waste sources, promoting sustainable waste management practices across the country.