METHANE
1. Context
On average, methane fades away after about 12 years while CO2 continues to warm the planet over centuries. That means CO2 is the main contributor to climate change, but potent methane still wreaks plenty of havoc in its short lifetime
2.Methane and its creation
Methane (CHâ‚„) is a simple hydrocarbon and the main component of natural gas. It is a colorless, odorless gas under standard conditions and is highly flammable. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas, with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time
Methane can originate from natural sources like wetlands, where permafrost, a type of frozen ground rich in carbon from long-dead plants and animals, is found. As global temperatures increase, this permafrost thaws, releasing carbon in the form of CO2 and methane.
However, human activities are responsible for about 60% of the methane in the atmosphere. This includes emissions from agriculture, such as cow burps, manure, and fertilizers, as well as methane released from decomposing waste in landfills and the energy sector
3. Methane and energy Sector
- Most of the energy humans use is derived from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. The oil and gas industries are the main contributors to methane emissions in the energy sector.
- Methane can leak into the atmosphere during the production, transportation, and storage of these fuels, often due to unintended issues like rusted or damaged equipment or something as simple as a loose screw.
- Another source of methane emissions is gas flaring, where operators burn off natural gas associated with oil production. While flaring converts methane into CO2, some raw methane can still escape into the atmosphere during this process.
- Additionally, companies sometimes release small quantities of natural gas directly into the atmosphere, a practice known as venting. Flaring and venting occur because processing and transporting the small amounts of gas that accompany oil extraction can be costly, or they may be done for safety reasons, such as to prevent dangerous pressure build-ups
4. How can we reduce methane emissions?
The solutions can sometimes be surprisingly straightforward. The International Energy Agency estimates that oil and gas companies could reduce their methane emissions by 75% simply by detecting and repairing leaks. Essentially, it's about maintaining plumbing and updating defective equipment.
This is why the European Union enacted a new regulation in May, requiring fossil fuel companies to regularly measure, report, and reduce their methane emissions. If a leak is detected, it must be repaired within 15 working days. The regulation also largely prohibits flaring and venting, allowing venting only in safety emergencies and flaring only when it’s not technically feasible to reinject the gas on-site or transport it elsewhere
Reducing methane emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change, given methane's significant global warming potential.
Here are several strategies to reduce methane emissions across different sectors:
- Implement feed additives and diet changes to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation (digestive processes in ruminant animals like cows). Promote better manure management practices, such as anaerobic digestion, to capture methane.
- Modify water management in rice paddies, such as intermittent drying and flooding, to reduce methane emissions from anaerobic decomposition
- Regularly inspect and maintain oil and gas infrastructure to prevent leaks from wells, pipelines, and storage facilities. Advanced technologies like infrared cameras can help detect methane leaks
- Capture methane released during oil and gas extraction for use as an energy source instead of flaring or venting it. Encourage the use of vapor recovery units and other technologies to capture gas that would otherwise be vented
- Reduce organic waste sent to landfills by promoting composting and recycling programs. Organic waste in landfills is a significant source of methane emissions
- Implement practices that protect natural wetlands, which can be significant sources of methane when disturbed. Restoration projects can help maintain these ecosystems' carbon storage capabilities
5. Way Forward
Tackling methane emissions is both a critical and achievable goal in the fight against climate change. With relatively simple measures, such as repairing leaks and updating equipment, the oil and gas industry can significantly reduce its methane output. The European Union's recent regulations serve as a strong example of how targeted policies can drive substantial improvements in emissions management. By enforcing stricter controls on flaring and venting, and mandating timely repairs, these regulations help ensure that companies take responsibility for their environmental impact. As other regions and industries follow suit, such efforts will play a crucial role in mitigating global warming and protecting our planet's future
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For Prelims: MethaneSAT, Climate Change, Carbon dioxide, Global Warming
For Mains:
1. Discuss the significance of MethaneSAT in monitoring and measuring methane emissions globally. How does its compact size and advanced technology contribute to its effectiveness? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? (UPSC 2019)
1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
2. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substance? (UPSC CSE 2015) A.Bretton woods conference
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Kyoto Protocol
D. Nagoya Protocol
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Source: Indianexpress
