Australian methane emissions massively underestimated

BBC News:-

The amount of greenhouse gas leaking from Australian coal mines has been hugely under-reported, a report says.

And unless quick action is taken, it could prevent the country from reaching its emission reduction targets.

The new report analysed methane being released from coal mines, finding the amount is twice the official estimates.

Australia’s new government has pledged to cut emissions faster than its predecessor, but it has not ruled out supporting new coal mines.

Reducing emissions from methane – a potent greenhouse gas – is a renewed focus for world leaders.

The US, the EU and Indonesia – the world’s biggest coal exporter – were among more than 100 countries that last year promised a 30% cut in methane emissions by 2030.

Australia ranks second for coal exports and is among the world’s top methane emitters, but it did not sign on to the pledge.

Methane has more than 80 times the heating power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. It is estimated to be responsible for almost a third of the globe’s warming since pre-industrial times.