‘Wake-up call’: methane emissions from Australian coalmines more than double official estimates, report finds
Summary
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) finds that methane emissions from Australian coalmines are more than twice the amount reported by the Australian government to the United Nations. This difference is due to the IEA using satellite data, which the government does not include, highlighting that Australia may be underestimating its coal mine methane emissions.Key Facts
- The IEA report estimates Australian coalmines will emit 1.7 million tonnes of methane in 2025.
- The Australian government’s official data reports coalmine methane emissions as 0.82 million tonnes.
- Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes about 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
- Methane heats the planet 80 times more than carbon dioxide over 20 years but stays in the atmosphere for only about 12 years.
- The IEA uses satellite measurements to estimate emissions, a method not currently used by the Australian government.
- Independent studies and experts say Australia’s methane emissions from coal mines are under-reported.
- The Australian government created an expert panel in 2024 to review methane measurement methods.
- Australia's agricultural sector officially emits more methane than the energy sector, but questions remain about the accuracy of fossil fuel sector data.
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