Methane emissions worldwide - statistics & facts

Methane (CH₄) is the second most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) and the second-biggest contributor to human-caused global warming after carbon dioxide (CO₂). It accounts for approximately 17 percent of annual global GHG emissions, and although it has a relatively short life cycle, lasting around a decade in the atmosphere, methane is much more potent than CO₂, trapping heat 80 times more effectively over a 20-year period.

Atmospheric methane levels are rising dangerously fast

Global methane emissions have increased by roughly 25 percent since 1990 to almost nine billion metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. During this period, the average annual atmospheric methane abundance has increased by 11 percent and reached a record high of 1,895 parts per billion (ppb) in 2021. While atmospheric methane levels slowed between 1999 and 2006, they have grown more rapidly since 2007. The annual increase in atmospheric methane was 18 ppb in 2021, the largest annual increase recorded since records began in 1983. In September 2021, average monthly atmospheric methane levels surpassed 1,900 ppb, and have remained above this level since.

What are the main sources of methane?

There are many sources of methane. The world’s wetlands are the largest natural source of methane, whereas agriculture, oil and gas production, and landfill sites are the main anthropogenic sources. Agriculture accounts for roughly 40 percent of global methane emissions from human activities, with much of this coming from livestock manure and enteric fermentation, the latter of which is the sixth largest contributor to global GHG emissions. Oil and gas production emits methane when gas is flared or vented, but it can also come from leaks during drilling, extraction, and transportation processes. These are known as fugitive emissions, and ranked eighth on global GHG emission sources. Some of the biggest methane-emitting fossil fuel companies include NIOC, Gazprom, and China Energy.

Global Methane Pledge

Reducing methane emissions will be vital in addressing climate change and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. However, without dramatic reductions over the coming decade, this target will most likely not be achieved. To try and ensure it is, the United States and the European Union invited countries to join the Global Methane Pledge at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Participants who joined the pledge agreed to contribute to a collective effort to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030, relative to 2020 levels. 150 countries have so far signed up to the pledge, but three of the biggest methane-emitting countries - India, Russia, and China - have yet to sign. During COP27 in 2022, China – the biggest methane emitter by far - outlined its methane reduction strategy, which focuses on energy, farming, and waste, but stopped short of joining the Global Methane Pledge.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Ian Tiseo, Feb 8, 2023

Key insights

Methane share of global GHG emissions
17%
Average atmospheric CH4 abundance
1911.88 ppb
Annual CH₄ emissions worldwide
10.5 GtCO₂e
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