A Closer Look at Methane Emissions
New technologies are helping to identify methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. Despite advances in detection methods, a recent report highlighted that when notified of large methane leaks, “super-emitters” often fail to take action promptly.
Manfredi Caltagirone, from the United Nations Environment Programme, emphasized the need for greater transparency and urgency in addressing methane emissions. Satellite data is now being used to alert emitters of leaks from various sources, including oil and gas infrastructure.
Methane ranks second after carbon dioxide in the list of greenhouse gases to tackle. Progress has been made in reducing methane emissions, with many countries committing to uphold their promises. However, the response rate to alerts about methane leaks remains low.
While the new alert system has issued numerous notifications, only a small percentage of emitters have taken corrective measures. Challenges such as technical and financial constraints, along with identifying ownership of leak sources, hinder swift action.
Efforts to address methane emissions are a key discussion point at the ongoing COP29 summit, with countries announcing initiatives to curb these emissions further.
Vocabulary List:
- Emissions /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ (noun): The act of releasing something especially gas or radiation into the atmosphere.
- Significant /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ (adjective): Important and deserving of attention.
- Transparency /trænsˈpærənsi/ (noun): The quality of being open and honest; clear and easy to understand.
- Urgency /ˈɜːrdʒənsi/ (noun): The quality or state of being urgent; requiring immediate action or attention.
- Corrective /kəˈrɛktɪv/ (adjective): Intended to correct or improve something.
- Initiatives /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ (noun): A new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem.
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