Efforts to cut methane emissions in 2022 have not been enough to meet the 7 per cent annual reduction targets needed to meet Global Methane Pledge objectives.

Satellite data analysis from Kayrros shows the number of large global super-emitters, responsible for 10 per cent of global emissions, has not significantly fallen in 2022, leaving Global Methane Pledge ambitions out of reach.

The Global Methane Pledge, agreed by over 100 countries at COP26 last year, holds signatories to reducing methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. However, Kayrros does not see any notable progress except in Australia, while emissions from Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel basin have increased significantly through 2022.

Methane has 80 times the global heating potential of carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after reaching the atmosphere.

Antoine Rostand, co-founder and president of Kayrros, said: “We are still a way off the commitments made to cutting methane emissions. Limited regulation and emissions controls in some parts of the world are holding back real progress, even as the climate crisis moves to the top of the news agenda.

“More must also be done to ensure developed nations do not export their emissions elsewhere, swapping domestic production and waste management for cheap alternatives abroad.

“Improving satellite imaging technology has allowed for a granular understanding of these problems and better reporting of risk. This supports the industry in making more informed decisions, coupled with policy updates, notably with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and changes in key economies, to create the regulatory and financial incentives to accelerate abatement measures.

“There is hope. Based on our analysis, it is entirely achievable that with the right policy and incentives, we could eliminate all serious emitters and even exceed the Global Methane Pledge commitments by 2030. The Inflation Reduction Act will go a way to providing these incentives for businesses to modernise infrastructure and improve practices.

“Better and more transparent data will be needed at every turn to fully understand and respond appropriately to the challenges ahead.”

Super-emitters — facilities, equipment, and other infrastructure that account for around 10 per cent of all energy-related emissions — are considered a major obstacle to tackling the climate crisis due to the way the gas traps heat in the atmosphere.

The rate at which super-emitters emit methane remains high, especially in the developing world, which may be more prone to leaky gas infrastructure and limited emission controls for landfills.

Reducing emissions from energy, agriculture and landfills is the most effective strategy to limit global warming in the short term.