Paris, 20 February 2023 – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) conducted an analysis on the magnitude of methane leaked following the incident on the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines, in the Baltic Sea, last September.
The analysis, produced by UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) – an initiative that drives action on methane – estimates the plausible range of total methane emissions leaked during the incident as 75-230 kt
In this document, UNEP synthesised estimates of the Nord Stream leak produced by several research organisations. It then integrated them with the only in-situ measurements performed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), as commissioned by IMEO.
This analysis contributes to closing the knowledge gap on how important methane emissions are and where they are emitted across the planet. It also reduces uncertainty associated with the methane leak.
“This analysis shows that it is important to consider complementary observation and estimation methods to characterise methane emissions. This was key to assessing the amount of methane emitted during the Nord Stream leak,” said Dr Andrea Hinwood, Chief Scientist at UNEP. “IMEO’s work showcases that using different observation and estimation tools is essential to enabling the assessment of the magnitude of emissions, a first step towards prioritising actions to reduce methane emissions.”
To assess the Nord Stream leak, IMEO’s scientists used various data sources, such as tower measurements (e.g. data gathered and postprocessed after applying various atmospheric data integration methods), satellite-based estimates, aerial measurements, and engineering calculations.
It is also important to put the Nord Stream leak into perspective. The UNEP analysis suggests that the amount of methane leaked represents less than 0.1 per cent of the total annual human-made methane emissions.
It also amounts to the methane emissions the oil and gas industry releases on a single day, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
“The Nord Stream incident reminds us it has never been more urgent to cut methane now, if we want to tackle climate change in the short-term” says Manfredi Caltagirone, Head of IMEO.
UNEP will keep investigating large methane emissions events using the best science available, such as satellites. At COP 27, it launched its Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), a high-tech, satellite-based global methane detection system that identifies major emission events. This ground-breaking system, managed by IMEO in collaboration with the IEA and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, then notifies relevant stakeholders to allow them to respond.
Methane plays a critical role in tacking climate change. Emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas have soared faster than at any time since the 1980s. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change urges to cut methane emissions at least 30 per cent by 2030 to keep the 1.5°C temperature limit within reach.
To catalyse action to curb emissions of this potent gas, UNEP’s IMEO is establishing a global, public database of methane emissions at an unprecedented level of accuracy and granularity.
Since methane is key to tackle climate change, this leak emphasises the urgent need to mitigate emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas, which contributes at least a quarter of today’s climate warming.
Notes to Editors
About the UN Environment Programme
The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About UNEP and methane
UNEP is at the forefront of methane emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C. UNEP’s work revolves around two pillars: data and policy. UNEP supports companies and governments across the globe to use its unique global database of empirically verified methane emissions to target strategic mitigation actions and support science-based policy options through the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). UNEP also fosters high-level commitments through advocacy work and supports countries to implement measures that reduce methane emissions through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Both initiatives are core implementers of the Global Methane Pledge.
For more information, contact:
Sophie Loran, Communications Officer, UN Environment Programme, sophie.loran@un.org
Kamilia Lahrichi, Communications Lead, International Methane Emissions Observatory, UN Environment Programme, kamilia.lahrichi@un.org
