methane emissions
Newsletter
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Methane emissions from warming ecosystems pose a major climate threat
Methane released from thawing permafrost and tropical wetlands is accelerating climate breakdown, making the reduction of human-caused emissions crucial.
In short:
- Methane emissions from natural sources like tropical wetlands and Arctic permafrost are increasing as global temperatures rise.
- Efforts to curb human-caused methane emissions could reduce global warming by 0.5°C, but this may not be enough as natural emissions increase.
- Restoration projects like Finland’s Linnunsuo reserve show potential in reducing methane emissions by rehabilitating damaged ecosystems.
Key quote:
"We are seeing a collision of two phenomena; one natural, which is El Niño, and the other a phenomenon produced by humans, which is the change in the Earth’s temperature."
— Ayan Fleischmann, hydrologist
Why this matters:
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its increasing release from natural and human sources could severely accelerate climate change, making immediate action necessary.
Related EHN coverage:
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A Michigan court ruling may reshape how animal waste is regulated
A recent Michigan Supreme Court decision could drastically change how the state — and possibly others — regulates pollution from industrial animal farms.
Keith Schneider reports for Circle of Blue and The New Lede.
In short:
- Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) now has the authority to enforce stricter manure management practices for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).
- The ruling is seen as a significant win for environmental advocates, who hope it will set a precedent for stronger regulations nationwide.
- CAFO waste, which contains harmful chemicals and bacteria, has been a major source of water pollution in Michigan and other states.
Key quote:
"This is a rare win for water protection."
— Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council
Why this matters:
With this ruling, there’s hope that we might finally see a shift toward more sustainable and responsible farming practices that protect both our environment and our health. It's a win for clean water, and a wake-up call for an industry that’s been polluting unchecked for far too long.
Read more: Peak Pig: Our series on the fight for the soul of rural America
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How to save money and fight food waste
A new generation of apps is rescuing perfectly good food from landfills, making it available at a fraction of the retail price at restaurants and grocery stores.
In short:
- Food waste apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go connect users to surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants.
- These apps help reduce the 2.5 million tons of food waste retailers discard annually, benefiting both the environment and consumers.
- By purchasing discounted surplus food, users can save money and access healthier food options.
Key quote:
“It feels like they are spreading like wildfire. I love the model because at least some of the food would literally have been thrown out a day later. It really is saving it from the garbage.”
— Dana Gunders, ReFED
Why this matters:
These digital do-gooders save money and so much more. Reducing food waste can cut global CO2 emissions and provide affordable, nutritious food options, particularly benefiting low-income families struggling with the high cost of healthy eating. Read more: New White House strategy backs food rescue efforts but more is needed to fight hunger and waste.
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Restoring our atmosphere is a new frontier in climate action
Rob Jackson's new book, Into the Clear Blue Sky, emphasizes the urgent need to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also restore the atmosphere's health to pre-industrial levels through a concept he calls "atmospheric restoration."
In short:
- Climate scientist Rob Jackson calls for restoring greenhouse gases to pre-industrial levels, emphasizing methane due to its short atmospheric lifespan.
- Jackson highlights the importance of diverse climate solutions, even those that may not be widely favored, to tackle emissions and restore atmospheric health.
- The book advocates for seeing climate action as a pathway to improved health and longer lives, addressing pollution's deadly impacts.
Key quote:
"I emphasize methane in the book because I believe it’s the strongest lever we have to make a difference for short-term temperatures over the next decade or two."
— Rob Jackson, climate scientist
Why this matters:
Into the Clear Blue Sky outlines practical steps and innovative ideas to not just halt the damage but actively restore our planet's health. Read more: Oil and gas methane emissions in US are at least 15% higher than we thought.
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Newsletter
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Methane emissions surge, scientists urge immediate action
Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are rising rapidly, posing a significant threat to the climate and requiring urgent mitigation efforts, scientists warn.
In short:
- Methane emissions have been increasing at the fastest rate in decades since 2006.
- The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction by 2030, but current policies cover only 13% of emissions.
- Methane is 80 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2 but dissipates faster, offering a quicker path to reducing global warming.
Key quote:
"Methane is the strongest lever we can quickly pull to reduce warming between now and 2050."
— Drew Shindell, climate scientist at Duke University
Why this matters:
Unchecked methane emissions accelerate global warming and exacerbate climate impacts. Addressing methane offers an immediate way to slow temperature increases and mitigate near-term climate risks.
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Newsletter
New Mexico emissions loophole enables significant methane releases
New Mexico's emissions loophole has resulted in significant methane releases, challenging state climate goals.
In short:
- Targa Northern Delaware vented substantial amounts of methane due to 'emergency' loopholes in state regulations.
- These emissions were the highest since New Mexico began tracking data in 2021, significantly impacting greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
- Despite regulations, the loophole allows substantial methane releases under specific conditions deemed as emergencies.
Key quote:
“Why wasn’t this massive amount of gas routed to a flare?”
— Jon Goldstein, senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is more than 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, and its unchecked release can accelerate global warming. The issue is particularly pressing in New Mexico, where oil and gas production is a major economic driver yet a significant source of methane emissions. This situation places the state at a crossroads: how to sustain its economic engine without compromising its environmental responsibilities.
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Newsletter
Credit: WildEarth Guardians/Flickr
New Interior Department policy to increase costs for oil drilling on public land
A long-awaited Interior Department policy will raise financial assurance and royalty rates, aiming to ensure cleaner operations and better returns for the public.
In short:
- The Department of Interior issued a new rule imposing stricter financial requirements for oil and gas companies on federal public land.
- Companies will now have to provide higher financial assurances for well cleanup and pay increased royalty taxes on extracted minerals.
- These changes aim to cut wasteful speculation, increase returns for the public, and protect taxpayers from environmental cleanup costs.
Key quote:
“These new regulations are the kind of common-sense reforms the federal oil and gas leasing program has needed for decades.”
— Athan Manuel, Sierra Club lands protection program director
Why this matters:
The new policy signifies a noteworthy shift in oil drilling regulation, aiming to ensure environmental protection and fairer returns for public resources, while also addressing climate concerns associated with methane emissions from abandoned wells. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual U.S. health damages.
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