AirMORE Methane dashboard: January 27, 2025

Keeling warning

Atmospheric CO? concentrations are not only rising but accelerating, as shown by a decades-long record of greenhouse gas levels measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, USA, since 1958. The Keeling Curve’s steep upward trajectory reflects the impact of fossil fuel combustion and land-use changes, with CO? levels increasing by an average of 2.58 ppm per year in the first half of the 2020s—44-94% higher than what is compatible with the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.5°C warming scenarios.

Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit challenges the US EPA’s methane tax rule under the Inflation Reduction Act, which imposes waste emissions fees on facilities emitting over 25,000 metric tons of CO?-equivalent, starting at $900 per metric ton of methane in 2024 and rising to $1,500 by 2026. The EPA estimating that the rule could help reduce methane emissions by 1.2 million metric tons by 2035.

A new U.S. rule to improve natural gas pipeline safety aims to cut 500,000 metric tons of methane emissions annually, delivering $1.5 billion in net benefits. It increases survey frequency and mandates advanced leak detection technologies like aerial and vehicle surveys, handheld devices, and continuous monitoring systems to support emissions reduction efforts.

New engine technology developed by W?rtsil? Corporation could cut methane emissions from LNG-powered container vessels by 50%. This innovation improves combustion efficiency, addressing methane slip—a persistent challenge in LNG systems—by reducing unburned methane release. The system supports stricter EU emissions regulations and contributes to advancing methane reduction in maritime operations.

Technology for oxidizing atmospheric methane won't help the climate, according to a new study. Atmospheric scientists have shown that a proposed "geoengineering" effort to remove methane by spraying hydrogen peroxide into the atmosphere could worsen air quality while offering minimal climate benefits. The study evaluated a plan involving 50 towers across North America, which would reduce methane emissions by just 0.01%—far too little to make an impact. Achieving a 50% reduction would require over 350,000 towers, making the concept highly impractical.

What we’re reading

This week, we explored the UK Environment Agency Chief Regulator’s Report 2023-24. It highlights several methane-related actions, including a case study on methane monitoring from space—an area closely aligned with AIRMO’s expertise and interests. The report showcases progress in the agency’s collaboration with GHGSat and the Satellite Applications Catapult, funded by the UK Space Agency under the Agricultural Regulations and Compliance Using Earth Observation project. Read more here.

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