<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/06/revealed-1000-super-emitting-methane-leaks-risk-triggering-climate-tipping-points>
"More than 1,000 “super-emitter” sites gushed the potent greenhouse gas methane
into the global atmosphere in 2022, the
Guardian can reveal, mostly from oil
and gas facilities. The worst single leak spewed the pollution at a rate
equivalent to 67m running cars.
Separate data also reveals 55 “methane bombs” around the world – fossil fuel
extraction sites where gas leaks alone from future production would release
levels of methane equivalent to 30 years of all US greenhouse gas emissions.
Methane emissions cause 25% of global heating today and there has been a
“scary” surge since 2007, according to scientists. This acceleration may be the
biggest threat to keeping below 1.5C of global heating and seriously risks
triggering catastrophic climate tipping points, researchers say.
The two new datasets identify the sites most critical to preventing
methane-driven disaster, as tackling leaks from fossil fuel sites is the
fastest and cheapest way to slash methane emissions. Some leaks are deliberate,
venting the unwanted gas released from underground while drilling for oil into
the air, and some are accidental, from badly maintained or poorly regulated
equipment.
Fast action would dramatically slow global heating as methane is short-lived in
the atmosphere. An emissions cut of 45% by 2030, which the UN says is possible,
would prevent 0.3C of temperature rise. Methane emissions therefore present
both a grave threat to humanity, but also a golden opportunity to decisively
act on the climate crisis."
Via Khurram Wadee.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
