“Simple solutions, already available” that should be put in place to mitigate global warming

Last August, the 1^er part of the 6th report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offered a kind of inventory of scientific knowledge in matter of global warming. The conclusion is clear. The primary driver of anthropogenic global warming that we are currently experiencing is carbon dioxide (CO₂). The second is another greenhouse gas which is gradually becoming “up to Sun » in the media, methane (CH₄). Not only by “its direct radiative effects”but also by “its role in the formation ofozone(O₃) tropospheric” — another greenhouse gas … coupled with a pollutant –, specified Valerie Masson-Delmotte paleoclimatologist and member of the IPCC, at the start of the year in a Twitter feed.

The concentration of methane in our atmosphere has exploded. Much more than CO concentration₂, Besides. It is 156% higher than it was in 1750. And the origins of this increase — since the 2000s at least — are known. They are to be sought in particular on the side of emissions anthropogenic sectorAgricultureand that of fossil fuels . A sector which alone accounts for some 40% of anthropogenic emissions. A significant contribution to say the least.

“What science tells us today is that about 25% of anthropogenic global warming can be attributed to our methane emissions»says Daniel Zavala-Araiza, the scientific spokesperson for the non-governmental organization (NGO) Environmental Defense Fund Europe (EDF). “If we are to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 2°C — if possible, 1.5°C — we will need — in addition to reducing our CO₂ — take quick and meaningful action on our CH emissions₄. »

The good news is that while methane is a greenhouse gas with a warming power about 80 times greater than that of CO₂her durationof life in our atmosphere is short. Around ten years. “Taking action to limit our methane emissions is like stepping on the brakes to slow the rate at which our planet is warming. Because taking action today can quickly lower the CH concentration₄»assures us Daniel Zavala-Araiza. “And because we’re not talking about innovations to be implemented here. Just simple solutions, already available. »

Organize the monitoring of methane emissions

In the field of agriculture, in terms of ruminant breeding, for example. But according to EDF’s scientific spokesperson, especially in the gas and oil. “A sector in which solutions can be implemented at almost zero cost. » A United Nations (UN) report dated 2021 confirms this. The oil and gas sector could reduce its missions by 80% at a negative or low cost. For the sector of coal it is even 98% of emissions that could thus be eliminated. “We have here an opportunity, I would even say, a responsibility, to reduce our emissions significantly and quickly”, adds Daniel Zavala-Araiza. It seems to have been heard by the 105 countries which committed themselves, during the 26^and Conference of the Parties to the Climate Convention (COP26) held in Glasgow (Scotland) at the end of 2021, to reduce their emissions by 30% – which account for around half of total methane emissions – between 2020 and 2030 . “By 2030, we may even have reduced our methane emissions by 50%. We would then avoid 0.25°C of warming in 2050 and even 0.5°C in 2100.”

But then, what are these simple — almost miracle — solutions that the oil and gas sector could implement? “Solutions that consist of repairing leaks and limiting evacuations and flaring, for example”, explains Daniel Zavala-Araiza. To optimize these operations, however, it is necessary to know how to detect leaks. From a decade, Environmental Defense Fund Europe measures methane emissions — using technologies that “make visible this naturally invisible gas”from infrared cameras, for example ; the drone also help a lot — all over the world, in the extraction and production regions, but also around the pipelines. “Even though the majority of emissions are made on production sites, there are leaks all along the chain. Sometimes methane is even emitted voluntarily. »

In recent years, a growing number of satellites has made it possible to clarify these data a little. To find the leaks, to understand the origin of the emissions and to know where and how to act. EDF is also preparing to launch its own satellite at the end of this year. “MethaneSAT will have the sole objective of making methane emissions visible and to make data on this subject freely and transparently accessible from 2023”explains Daniel Zavala-Araiza.

Thanks to the robust methodologies developed by the scientific community, this satellite will not only make it possible to locate emissions of CH₄ , but also to differentiate them. To specify their origin. To say if they are the result of leaks in pipelines or farms, for example. “MethaneSAT will be extremely accurate. It will really allow us to understand how much methane is emitted, from where and how. » What identify what type of facilities that emit the most. “And find the solutions to be implemented to limit emissions. »

Simple solutions to implement

Solutions that are already perfectly mastered. “Often it’s nothing more or less than adjusting a valve. Or even worse, to simply close a hatch on the top of a tank. But for that, it is necessary to know that a hatch remained open. This is why regular monitoring of emissions is very important. To enable these corrective actions to be implemented as soon as possible. »

Beyond that, Environmental Defense Fund Europe calls on the European Union to rely on its position as a major customer to encourage the establishment of international standards for gas and oil. Because 85% of its consumption is produced outside its borders – in Russia, we have talked about it a lot recently, but also Algeria, for example. And the methane footprint of gas and oil is estimated to be three to eight times greater before they reach Europe until afterwards.

Thus financial penalties could be imposed for any gas sold in the European Union with a methane intensity above an upstream emissions threshold of 0.2% — understand, the share of CH₄emitted into the atmosphere on the volume of gas produced. “The proposal made by the European Commission at the end of last year goes in this direction. That of the frequent detection and repair of leaks. She is also worried about flaring, burning or the evacuation of methane, which are also responsible for significant emissions. It’s a strong signal. »

And for once, this political impetus could not be seen only as an additional constraint. More like an incentive. “All over the world, operators are already thinking about the issue. Because in addition to warming the planet, these emissions represent a shortfall. Methane that could be sold. For the time being, this is not yet at the top of their priorities. But regulation could really make them care. Because there are economic benefits to be derived from it”points out Daniel Zavala-Araiza. “We have to get out of fossil fuels. It is no longer a question. It is imperative. But, we should not wait to have put aside gas, oil and coal to worry about our methane emissions. Our windowaction in this area is narrow. We must take advantage of this to slow down global warming. If we don’t, we will only speed it up. »