IEA's Global Methane Tracker Report-2025

Why in news?

• According to the IEA report, about 145 million tonnes (MT) of methane emissions are estimated to occur from the energy sector in 2024.

Key points:-

• More than 80 MT of this will come from oil and gas facilities.
• This emission level still remains 'too high' despite the available technological and policy measures.
• Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, estimated to be responsible for about 30% of the increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.
• Its atmospheric concentration is now two and a half times higher than pre-industrial levels and is increasing at a faster pace than other greenhouse gases.

Main sources of methane emissions

• According to the IEA, there are three main sources of methane emissions from human activities:
  • Agriculture sector
  • Energy sector
  • Waste management sector
• Of these, the energy sector – which includes oil, natural gas, coal and bioenergy – accounts for more than 35% of methane emissions.

Analysis of emissions in the energy sector. 

• According to the IEA analysis, methane emissions from energy subsectors in 2024 are as follows:
  • Oil operations – 45 metric tons
  • Natural gas operations – 35 metric tons
  • Abandoned wells – 3 metric tons
  • End-use equipment – ​​2 metric tons
  • Coal mining – 40 metric tons

Leading countries in global emissions

• The leading countries in energy sector methane emissions are:
  1. China
  2. United States
  3. Russia
  4. Iran
  5. Turkmenistan
  6. India
  7. Venezuela
  8. Indonesia

International Energy Agency (IEA)

• Establishment
  • Year: 1974
  • Background: After the 1973 oil crisis
  • Headquarters: Paris, France
  • Member countries: 31 (all OECD countries)
• Main objectives
  • To ensure energy security
  • To promote economic growth Supporting energy through
  • Promoting environmental protection and sustainability
  • Providing transparency and reliable data in global energy markets. 

Key Functions and Reports of the IEA

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) provides global leadership in the energy sector and publishes several important reports: