Coal Hub Australia sees need to improve methane accounting

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🗞️ Driving the news: Australia is set to enhance its methane emissions accounting after a review highlighted the need for more accurate measurements
• This initiative, led by the country's Chief Scientist Cathy Foley, will explore using advanced atmospheric measurement technologies to better track emissions

🔭 The context: Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accounts for about 29% of Australia's total emissions
• The country, a major coal and natural gas exporter, has faced criticism for underreporting methane emissions, particularly from its oil, gas, and coal sectors, with discrepancies potentially as high as 90% for oil and gas and 80% for coal

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Accurate methane accounting is critical for global climate efforts, given methane's significant warming potential
• Improving emission assessments will support Australia’s commitment to reducing total emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and will have broader implications for tracking and managing climate impacts globally

⏭️ What's next: An expert panel will study new methods to improve methane measurement, including the use of satellite and aerial surveys
• This could lead to major revisions in emissions data, impacting Australia's climate policies and how coal and gas producers report their emissions

💬 One quote: "It is essential that our measurement approaches continue to improve, based on sound science and expert analysis," said Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy

📈 One stat: Fugitive methane emissions from Australia's oil and gas sector may have been underreported by as much as 90%, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis

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