Atmospheric methane levels continue to rise
Global methane emissions increased by 1.8 percent in 2022 to reach a record high of 11.3 billion metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (GtCO₂), an increase of more than 30 percent when compared to 1990 levels. The average annual concentration of methane in the atmosphere increased by roughly 12 percent during this same period to reach a high of 1,911.82 parts per billion. Methane concentrations have increased more rapidly in recent years, with 2022 observing the largest annual increase since records began in 1983.The concerning and continuing rise in methane emissions has led to several new policies and measures being introduced to curb the growth of this potent GHG. One of the most well-known is the U.S./EU-led Global Methane Pledge, whose participants have agreed to contribute to a collective effort to cut global anthropogenic methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030, relative to 2020 levels. However, some of the world’s biggest methane emitters, including China, India, and Russia, are yet to join the pledge. Nevertheless, China unveiled its long-awaited action plan to slash methane emissions ahead of the COP28 climate summit in November 2023.
