The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that a lack of reliable data on methane emissions from the hydrocarbon industry hinders efforts to combat global warming. Meanwhile, the European Commission has proposed a one-year postponement of reporting obligations for hydrocarbon importers. Methane emissions associated with more than half of global oil and gas production are not measured in a credible manner-even though this gas contributes significantly to global warming-warns the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in a report published last week and cited by AFP. Despite progress made in implementing measurement protocols, the world cannot avoid the most severe effects of global warming without the full participation of oil and gas producers in data collection, stated Martin Krause, director of the Climate Change Division at UNEP. Accurate and transparent monitoring of methane emissions is essential for combating global warming. This odorless and invisible gas has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide, making the identification and reduction of such emissions a key component of climate efforts. • Reporting covers only a portion of global production
The companies that contributed to the annual sector-wide methane emissions report-produced under the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) initiative-account for 43% of global oil and gas production. The initiative was established by the UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, an international partnership dedicated to combating climate change and reducing air pollution. According to the report, 82% of the methane emissions reported by OGMP members originate from exploration and production activities. This share is significantly higher than that of emissions generated by gas networks or terminals, the document notes, as cited by AFP. The coverage of the reporting system varies considerably by region: in Europe, the OGMP encompasses 88% of oil and gas production, compared to…
