The Australian government has announced a new initiative to accurately measure methane emissions from coal and gas companies, marking a significant step forward in addressing climate pollution.
The Climate Council has welcomed this development, highlighting the critical role of methane in accelerating global warming.
The government’s plan includes the establishment of a committee led by Australia’s Chief Scientist to advise on more precise measurement and reporting methods for methane emissions.
This move aligns with recommendations from the Climate Council and its partners, addressing a crucial gap in Australia’s climate action strategy.
Dr Jennifer Rayner, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Climate Council, emphasised the importance of this step, stating: “Cutting methane pollution is our best chance to slow dangerous warming this decade”.
She further noted that existing technology could rapidly reduce methane emissions from major sources, particularly in the coal and gas industries.
Methane’s potent effect on global warming has been underscored by recent climate events.
The Climate Council’s report, “Dangerously Overlooked: Why we need to talk about methane,” reveals that methane traps 85 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
This heightened warming effect has been linked to recent extreme weather events, including unprecedented winter heat and record temperatures in South Australia.
While the government’s initiative is a positive start, it currently focuses solely on the resources sector, leaving out agriculture — Australia’s largest source of methane emissions.
Dr Rayner called for a comprehensive approach, stating: “Every sector of our economy needs to slash climate pollution”.
She emphasised the need for a clear plan to accelerate measurement, reporting, and action on methane from industrial-scale farms if agriculture is not to be included in the existing emissions reporting scheme.
The Climate Council stressed the urgency of the committee’s work, highlighting the need for swift action to compel fossil fuel companies to reduce methane emissions from their operations.
As Australia moves forward with this initiative, the balance between addressing emissions from the resources sector and tackling those from agriculture will be crucial in the country’s overall climate strategy.