Methane Emissions Remain High, 120 Million Tonnes Released in 2024

Abandoned coal mines and oil and gas wells account for 5% of energy-related methane emissions. Globally, IEA estimates that around 8 Mt of methane were emitted from abandoned facilities in 2024. Abandoned coal mines emitted nearly 5 Mt, around 60% of which came from China. Abandoned oil and gas wells emitted around 3 Mt of methane, with almost 40% coming from the US

- S V Krishna Chaitanya @ Chennai

The fossil fuel sector continues to emit methane at alarming rates, contributing significantly to global warming, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2025.

The report estimates that the sector released over 120 million tonnes (Mt) of methane in 2024, fueled by record oil, gas and coal production and insufficient mitigation efforts. Yet, the IEA emphasizes that 70% of these emissions could be curbed using existing technologies, many of which are cost-effective, including in high-emission regions like India.

Methane, which accounts for roughly 30% of the global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution, is a potent greenhouse gas with a far greater short-term warming impact than carbon dioxide. The energy sector—encompassing oil, gas, coal and bioenergy—contributes over 35% of human-related methane emissions. "Tackling methane leaks and flaring offers a double dividend: it alleviates pressure on tight gas markets, enhances energy security—and lowers emissions at the same time," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. However, he cautioned, "implementation on methane has continued to fall short of ambitions."