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The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported on Wednesday that sustained fossil fuel production kept methane emissions — a major contributor to global warming — at near-record levels last year. The agency also raised concerns over large-scale leaks from oil and gas facilities, warning that these emissions are a significant threat to climate goals.
Reducing methane emissions, which ranks second only to carbon dioxide in its role in global warming, is critical for achieving international climate targets. It represents one of the most effective means of slowing temperature rise in the short term.
However, the IEA cautioned that nations are significantly underreporting methane pollution from the energy sector, with actual emissions estimated to be about 80% higher than the figures governments have submitted to the United Nations. The energy sector is responsible for approximately one-third of all methane emissions resulting from human activities.
It leaks from gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure and is deliberately released during equipment maintenance.
Tackling this is considered one of the easiest ways to lower emissions because plugging leaks can often be done at little or no cost.
“However, the latest data indicates that implementation of methane has continued to fall short of ambitions,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.
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According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker report, over 120 million tonnes of methane were released by the fossil fuel sector in 2024, approaching the record levels seen in 2019. China leads the world in methane emissions, primarily due to its extensive coal industry.
The United States ranks second, largely driven by emissions from its oil and gas sector, with Russia following in third.
The IEA emphasized that its data is derived from direct measurements wherever possible, offering a more accurate representation compared to the emissions figures typically reported by governments, which may be outdated or based on estimates from the energy sector.
Advancements in satellite technology have made it increasingly feasible to monitor global methane emissions. Over 25 satellites are now tracking methane plumes emitted from fossil fuel facilities and other sources, improving our ability to monitor this potent greenhouse gas from space.
