This invisible, super-polluting gas is a climate villain the world is failing to tackle

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Methane emissions are rising despite growing evidence that many major leaks can be detected and fixed
• Satellites operated by Planet Labs and environmental organisation Carbon Mapper are identifying methane “super-emitters” around the world, including oil and gas facilities and landfills
• However, governments are weakening or delaying regulations designed to curb the pollution, putting progress at risk

🔭 The context: Methane traps roughly 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and is responsible for around 30% of current global warming
• The fossil fuel industry accounts for around 35% of human-produced methane, with no clear sign of emissions declining
• The International Energy Agency estimates that existing technology could reduce around 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuel production
• However, regulatory momentum is weakening
• The Trump administration has proposed rolling back US methane rules, including eliminating the Super Emitter Program
• The EU has also approved a three-year delay to requirements for foreign fossil fuel importers to monitor and report methane emissions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Methane is one of the fastest climate pollutants to tackle
• Reducing emissions could deliver meaningful climate benefits within decades, rather than waiting for the longer-term effects of carbon dioxide reductions
• Preventing leaks also avoids wasting valuable natural gas and can reduce harmful air pollution

⏭️ What’s next: The challenge is translating satellite detection and available technology into consistent action
• Stronger regulation, accurate measurement, corporate accountability and investment in leak detection and repair could deliver substantial reductions
• State-level rules and industry initiatives may help, but experts warn that fragmented efforts are insufficient without stronger government leadership

💬 One quote: “You see a lot of things that could be fixed relatively easily. Sometimes it’s like I want to get on a plane with a wrench, go out and fix it.” — Dan Cusworth, vice president of science at Carbon Mapper

📈 One stat: 80 times — the approximate amount of heat methane traps compared with carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a particularly powerful driver of near-term warming

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