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Coal Hub Australia sees need to improve methane accounting

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Financial Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ 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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