Why China’s methane emission plan is becoming a key focus for the US

“China can make more progress on implementing its methane action plan, controlling industrial nitrous oxide, and setting or strengthening methane standards for coal, oil and gas, landfill, and waste water,” Burns said.

With a warming power 80 times stronger than that of carbon dioxide on a 20-year timescale, methane is responsible for around 30 per cent of the increase in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution, according to the International Energy Agency. China produces about 14 per cent of the world’s methane emissions each year.

Last November, China unveiled an action plan to reduce methane emissions, which included sector-specific targets and emphasised better monitoring and supervision. It did not, however, include firm targets or timetables for reducing methane emissions. In addition, China has not signed the Global Methane Pledge, which was ratified in 2022 by more than 150 countries that are responsible for about half of global human-caused methane emissions. The pledge seeks by 2030 to cut methane emissions by at least 30 per cent from 2020 levels.

Energy experts say China must address methane emissions from the fossil-fuel sector, develop monitoring and tracking technologies, introduce a firm target for reduction and enhance its global cooperation – especially with the US.