Methane

Methane

Methane (CH₄), as a short-lived climate pollutant with an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 12 years, plays a disproportionate role in near-term radiative forcing despite its transient presence. Its high instantaneous radiative efficiency and its role in tropospheric ozone formation make it a key target for mitigation, particularly due to its dual impact on climate and air quality .

Recent studies using perturbation-response models emphasize that methane abatement yields significant co-benefits for public health and agricultural productivity by reducing surface ozone concentrations.

Methane Emissions Trend in India

This graph shows the fluctuating trend of Methane Emissions in India over the years, highlighting periods of increase and decline. The variations emphasize the need for targeted strategies to curb methane emissions effectively.

Source: https://www.ghgplatform-india.org/
Source: NATCOM1, NATCOM 2, INCCA, BUR1, BUR 2, BUR 3 and BUR 4

The decline in emissions from industrial wastewater after 2014 is attributed to a reduction in wastewater generated per tonne of product from both the pulp and paper industry from 127.5 m³ (2005–2014) to 57 m³ (2015–2018) and the tannery industry from 35 m³ to 32 m³ over the same periods.

Sectoral Breakdown of Methane Emissions

Sectoral share of methane emissions in 2000
Source: NATCOM
Sectoral share of methane emissions in 2020
Source: BUR 4

Key Contributors to Methane Emissions

Methane emissions from livestock primarily arise from enteric fermentation in ruminants, such as cows and buffaloes, where methane is produced during digestion and released through burping. Another significant source is manure management, where methane is emitted when manure is stored in anaerobic conditions, such as in pits or lagoons.

Livestock

Flooded rice fields create anaerobic conditions that promote methane production by soil microbes. Emissions depend on water management, soil type, temperature, and organic inputs such as fertilizers and crop residues. Continuous flooding and high organic matter inputs lead to higher methane emissions.

Rice Cultivation

Anaerobic decomposition in domestic and industrial wastewater systems—such as septic tanks, lagoons, and untreated effluent—generates methane. Industrial sectors with high organic loads (e.g., food and beverage, pulp and paper) are particularly significant sources.

Wastewater (Domestic and Industrial)

Organic matter in landfills decomposes anaerobically, producing methane. Emissions are higher when waste is not segregated or when landfill gas capture systems are lacking or inefficient.

Solid Waste (Landfills)

Open burning of biomass—including forest fires, crop residue burning, and traditional cooking—releases methane due to incomplete combustion. This is a significant but episodic source, especially in developing regions.

Biomass Burning

Some industrial processes, like methanol and hydrogen production, emit methane as a byproduct. Fugitive emissions also occur in the chemical industry during production, storage, and transfer of methane-containing substances.

IPPU

Methane escapes during the extraction, processing, and transport of oil and natural gas, as well as from abandoned or poorly managed infrastructure. Coal mining emits methane trapped in coal seams, especially in underground mines.

Fossil Fuel Industry (Oil, Gas, and Coal)

Per Capita Methane Emissions In 2018

Mitigation Measures

Effective methane mitigation requires targeted strategies across agriculture, waste, energy, and ecosystems, complemented by strong policies and global commitments.

Agriculture & Livestock

Improving agricultural practices and livestock management plays a key role in reducing methane emissions. Targeted interventions across feed, manure, and rice cultivation can significantly cut emissions while enhancing productivity.

Improved Livestock Management:

  • green-tick Balanced rationing and the use of feed additives (e.g., nitrates, fats, seaweed), along with targeted dietary changes, can reduce enteric fermentation in ruminants, thereby lowering methane output per animal. Breeding programs to develop low-methane-emitting livestock.

Manure Management:

  • green-tick Capturing methane from anaerobic manure systems using biogas digesters or shifting to aerobic composting reduces emissions and recovers energy.

Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in Rice Cultivation:

  • green-tick Periodic draining of rice fields interrupts anaerobic conditions, significantly cutting methane emissions without reducing yields.

Waste Management

Effective waste and wastewater management can significantly reduce methane emissions. Capturing methane from landfills and treatment plants also provides opportunities for clean energy recovery.

Improving Landfill Methane Capture:

  • green-tick Install landfill gas collection systems to capture and use methane for energy.
  • green-tick Improve waste segregation and composting to minimize organic waste decomposition.

Enhancing Wastewater Treatment:

  • green-tick Use anaerobic digesters in sewage treatment plants.
  • green-tick Upgrade to modern treatment technologies that recover methane.

Energy Sector (Oil, Gas & Coal)

Reducing methane leaks and shifting to cleaner energy sources are key strategies to curb emissions in the oil, gas, and coal sectors while advancing energy sustainability.

Reducing Methane Leaks in Oil & Gas Production:

  • green-tick Implement leak detection & repair (LDAR) programs.
  • green-tick Use low-emission technologies in drilling, transportation, and refining.
  • green-tick Ban routine flaring and venting of gas from oil extraction.

Transitioning to Cleaner Energy Sources:

  • green-tick Increase the use of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • green-tick Promote methane capture from coal mines (coal bed methane recovery).

Natural Ecosystem & Wetlands

Protecting natural ecosystems and wetlands helps regulate methane emissions and boosts carbon storage, supporting both climate and ecological balance.

  • green-tick Protect and restore wetlands to prevent excess methane emissions from degraded ecosystems.
  • green-tick Enhance soil carbon sequestration through sustainable land-use practices.

benefits

Climate Benefits

Methane reduction is a powerful tool for slowing global warming in the near term. It also improves Air quality and enhances the ability of ecosystems to store carbon.

Rapid Reduction in Global Warming:
Methane contributes approximately 30% of current global warming. Reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2030 could prevent 0.3°C of warming by 2040, making it one of the most effective near-term climate actions.

Lower Ozone Formation:
Methane is a key precursor to tropospheric ozone (O₃), a short-lived climate forcer and air pollutant. Reducing methane leads to lower ground-level ozone concentrations, improving air quality while also contributing to climate mitigation

Improved Carbon Sequestration in Ecosystems:
High methane concentrations negatively impact wetland ecosystems and forests by altering biogeochemical cycles. Lowering methane emissions allows ecosystems to sequester more carbon, enhancing their role as carbon sinks

Health Benefits

Reducing methane emissions improves public health by lowering ozone pollution , preventing respiratory diseases, and enhancing overall workforce productivity.

Reduction in Premature Mortality:
Methane-driven ozone pollution contributes to over 500,000 premature deaths annually due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Mitigating methane could prevent 260,000 deaths per year globally

Decreased Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases:
Lower ozone levels due to methane reductions can significantly decrease incidences of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions

Workforce Productivity Gains:
Exposure to high ozone levels reduces labor productivity, particularly in outdoor industries. A global methane reduction strategy could improve worker health, leading to economic benefits of $4–30 billion annually

Agricultural & Food Security Benefits

Methane reduction enhances agricultural productivity by preventing crop losses, improving livestock efficiency and ensuring greater food security.

Increased Crop Yields:
Methane-driven ozone pollution reduces crop productivity, causing estimated losses of 4–16% in staple crops such as wheat, maize, and soybean. Rice cultivation can lead to soil compactions, nutirient loss, soil salinization, soil erosion, etc. Therefore, reducing methane emissions could improve soil health and also prevent annual agricultural losses of 26 million tonnes of crops.

Improved Livestock Efficiency:
Methane mitigation strategies in livestock, such as manure management, improved feed and targeted feed additives enhance productivity and reduce feed costs per unit yields thus benefiting farmers and increasing food supply.

Economic & Energy Benefits

Methane mitigation fosters economic growth by reducing energy costs creating jobs in renewable sectors, and promoting cost-effective climate solutions.

Enhanced Energy Recovery:
Methane is the primary component of natural gas. Capturing and utilizing fugitive methane emissions from landfills, coal mines, and oil and gas operations could provide low-cost energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels

Cost-Effective Climate Action:
The top 10 most cost-effective methane reduction strategies could achieve 90% of the needed reductions by 2030 with low or negative costs, meaning they could save money in the long term (Harmsen et al., 2019).

Job Creation in Renewable Energy and Waste Management:
Implementing methane mitigation policies in biogas production, improved livestock practices, and landfill gas recovery generates employment opportunities while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Environmental & Ecosystem Benefits

Reducing methane emissions safeguards ecosystems, preserves biodiversity, and helps maintain climate stability by preventing extreme environmental disruptions.

Protection of Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems:
Methane contributes to ocean acidification,threatening fisheries and biodiversity. Reducing methane emissions helps maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fisheries .

Preservation of Arctic Ice and Permafrost Stability:
Methane emissions contribute to Arctic warming and permafrost thawing, which releases additional greenhouse gases. Cutting methane emissions helps slow this feedback loop and protect polar and tundra ecosystems .

Reduction in Wildfires:
Methane-driven warming increases drought frequency and wildfire risks. Methane mitigation reduces the probability of climate-induced forest fires, protecting air quality and biodiversity.