BY JOTISRI VASUDEVAN
METHANE, often overshadowed by the focus on carbon dioxide, plays a significant role in global warming, constituting at least 25% of the current warming effect.
“The oil and gas sector stands out as a leading contributor to methane emissions,” said Dr Shareen Yawanarajah, from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in a recent Astro Awani “Consider This” series interview.
Shareen, the Director of Global Energy Transition at the EDF told interviewer Melissa Idris that methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse output, trapping 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after release.
“While carbon dioxide determines the ultimate temperature rise, methane dictates the speed of global warming.” [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
Shareen detailed: “Methane emissions predominantly stem from the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry; including activities such as drilling oil and gas wells, processing oil and gas, transporting natural gas and oil storage tanks.”
The transportation of natural gas and oil, vital for the distribution of these resources, emits methane.
Storage tanks used for holding extracted oil, are also a source emissions.
Malaysia’s reported methane emissions largely arise from the oil and gas industry – knowing its significance, this underscores the urgency for methane reduction as part of climate action.
Global and Domestic Commitments
In this enlightening interview, Shareen illuminated valuable insights into the global commitment to methane emissions reduction, with a particular focus on ambitious targets set domestically.
Over 110 countries, including Malaysia, have pledged to collectively reduce methane emissions by 30% globally by 2030 under the Global Methane Pledge (GMP). It is a voluntary international initiative that aims to collectively reduce methane emissions globally. What makes this commitment crucial is its global nature, requiring collaborative action from countries and companies worldwide,” she stated.
Shareen commended Malaysia, particularly Petronas, for setting ambitious targets in line with the Global Methane Pledge (GMP).
“Petronas aims to cut methane emissions by 50% by 2025 and achieve a 70% reduction by 2030 across its natural gas value chain,” she said.
This commitment showcases Malaysia’s dedication to addressing methane emissions comprehensively.
Challenges in Methane Emission Reporting
In connection with a broader conversation on methane reduction, Shareen shed light on the challenges associated with emission quantification and reporting.
To demonstrate progress at a corporation level and achieve GMP targets, quantification of methane emissions needs to be improved.
“Data accuracy and transparency pose significant challenges, that extends beyond Malaysia.
“Most countries, when they report their methane emissions data, it’s an estimate and an average based on activities that release emissions,” she pointed out.
Emission inventories are essential for understanding the magnitude of emissions from different sources.
She further explained that the disparities in reporting standards among different nations further complicate the global understanding of methane emissions.
Standardising reporting methodologies and establishing international frameworks for data sharing are crucial steps to address this challenge.
Another challenge highlighted by Shareen is the confidentiality of corporate data.
“Corporate data is often confidential; therefore, it’s difficult to have an open dialogue with all stakeholders so that they can come together and agree on what actions need to be taken,” she added.
Call for Action: Monitoring, Collaboration and Public Awareness
Shareen then went on to talk about a groundbreaking initiative for comprehensive methane monitoring through the launch of EDF’s methane satellite called MethaneSAT.
“This satellite will carry sensors designed to accurately measure methane emissions globally, and provide emissions data free to the public.”
“MethaneSAT will allow regulators, companies, and the public to identify emission hotspots, prioritise actions, and work collaboratively to reduce emissions,” she elaborated.
Shareen highlighted: “To mitigate and reduce methane emissions, it is crucial to ascertain the magnitude, location and source of emissions. This accuracy enables targeted solutions using readily available technologies.
She added that it is vitally important for the public to also stay informed about the co-benefits associated with reducing methane emissions.
“While the climate impact and economic value of methane reduction is discussed often, it’s also crucial to recognise its health implications on people,” she emphasised.
“Methane serves as a precursor for ozone, a hazardous greenhouse gas,” she continued.
Exposure to high levels of ozone can lead to respiratory issues, aggravate existing lung conditions, and cause various respiratory symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.
“From a health perspective, methane’s profound impact is a compelling reason for the public to pay heightened attention to initiatives aimed at reducing emissions,” said Shareen.
Shareen further underscored the importance of collaboration, where the oil and gas industry plays a pivotal responsibility in achieving global targets.
“Since 2020, the EDF has been actively involved in the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with Petronas and forming a civil society coalition to raise awareness about methane emissions.”
EDF has been at the forefront of efforts to redirect global attention to the significance of methane, both as a problem and a solution, actively addressing methane emissions.
“By pooling together resources and expertise, accelerated action can be achieved,” she highlighted.
In her view, collaboration is not only an opportunity but a necessity to address one of the most significant challenges humanity faces.
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