Context: A new UNEP report released at COP30 (Belém, Brazil) identifies India as a global methane hotspot, raising concerns as methane was missing from India’s national statement at the summit.
Methane (CH₄), though short-lived, is 80x more potent than CO₂ in global warming over 20 years, making it key to rapid climate action.
Key UNEP Findings
- India emitted 31 Mt methane in 2020 ➝ 9% of global share
- 3rd-largest emitter globally after China & USA
- G20 responsible for 65% of global methane
- Waste burning methane ↑ 64% since 1995 (Global rise: 43%)
- Agriculture emits 20 Mt (12% of global agricultural methane)
- Rice methane likely ↑ 8% by 2030
- Energy sector methane: 4.5 Mt/year
India’s Methane Profile
| Sector | Methane Emissions | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Livestock | ~20 Mt | Largest source; enteric fermentation |
| Rice cultivation | Major contributor | Likely to increase by 2030 |
| Waste burning & landfills | 7.4 Mt | Rapid growth; urban challenge |
| Energy sector | 4.5 Mt | Coal mining, leakages |
Why India Avoided Methane Commitments at COP30
- Agriculture dependency: 54% workforce relies on farming
- Food security priority for 1.4 billion population
- India’s NDC lacks agricultural methane targets
- Previously declined the Global Methane Pledge (2021)
- Focus remains on renewables, hydrogen & forests rather than farm-based mitigation
Way Forward for India
✔ Farm Diversification
Promote millets & pulses through Shri Anna Mission to reduce paddy-linked methane
✔ Crop Residue Management
Happy Seeder, balers & PUSA Bio-Decomposer to curb stubble burning
✔ Methane Capture & Utilization
Support CBG plants & biogas under SATAT Scheme
✔ Waste Management Reform
Segregation, landfill capping & biomethanation
Example: Indore biogas model
✔ Satellite-Based Monitoring
Leverage EU Copernicus-like systems with ISRO collaboration
✔ Policy Integration
Include methane targets in updated NDCs & state climate plans
Methane mitigation offers fastest climate cooling gains before 2050 — critical for India to balance economic growth, food systems, and climate leadership.