A previously undisclosed effort to address severe methane emissions has begun in a country long criticized for its unchecked leaks from deteriorating oil and gas infrastructure. New United Nations data confirms the initiative, marking a rare step forward in tackling one of the most damaging greenhouse gases, which is far more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Experts emphasize that fixing these leaks offers a swift, low-cost solution to curb global warming, with potential immediate climate benefits. The move could serve as a model for other nations struggling with similar infrastructure challenges.
Secretive state begins repairs on ageing facilities after being revealed as worst country for leaks of potent greenhouse gasTurkmenistan has started plugging the mega-leaks of methane that spew from its ageing oil and gas facilities, the latest UN data shows, in a move hailed as a breakthrough.Methane, also called natural or fossil gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. It traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide and causes 25% of global heating today. Stopping leaks can be quick and cheap and, because methane breaks down in the atmosphere far quicker than CO2, this has a rapid impact, with some experts calling it the climate “emergency brake”. Continue reading...
