US methane emissions continue to rise despite global reduction pledges

New research reveals U.S. methane emissions from fossil fuel production are increasing, despite its leading role in a global effort to cut emissions.

Max Bearak reports for The New York Times.

In short:

• Methane levels in the atmosphere are now over 2.5 times preindustrial levels, primarily from fossil fuel production.
• The U.S. signed the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, but emissions continue to rise as fossil fuel production surges.
• China, the world's largest emitter of methane and carbon dioxide, has not signed the pledge.

Key quote:

“Many of the fixes are within reach. Leak detection and repair, management of abandoned facilities, they aren’t impossible. In fact, many of them can be done at almost no cost.”

— Jutta Paulus, European Parliament member

Why this matters:

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with effects 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide. As global temperatures rise, unchecked methane emissions from growing fossil fuel production are accelerating climate change, impacting global efforts to meet climate goals.