According to the Ember Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026, global coal mine methane (CMM) emissions stayed flat at approximately 35 million tonnes (mt) in 2023, failing to fall since 2021 despite the Global Methane Pledge. Only 23 of 73 coal-producing countries reported data to the UNFCCC, leaving 89% (around 31 mt) of emissions.
According to the Ember Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026, global coal mine methane (CMM) emissions stayed flat at approximately 35 million tonnes (mt) in 2023, failing to fall since 2021 despite the Global Methane Pledge. Only 23 of 73 coal-producing countries reported data to the UNFCCC, leaving 89% (around 31 mt) of emissions.
Key Findings on 2023 Coal Mine Methane:
Persistent Emissions: -
Despite rising global coal production, methane emissions remained stable at 34.7 mt in 2023, roughly equal to 2021 levels, according to Ember's analysis.
Low Reporting Rate: -
89% of emissions were left outside official UNFCCC records, highlighting a massive tracking gap.
Top Emitters: -
94% of global CMM emissions originate from seven countries: China, the US, Russia, India, Australia, Poland, and Ukraine.
Mitigation Potential: -
Existing technologies could capture this methane, which is released during mining, but lack of reporting prevents accountability.
Implications:
Methane Pledge Failure: -
Nearly five years after the 2021 launch, this lack of reduction suggests a failure to hit the 30% reduction goal by 2030, notes Ember.
Underreporting: -
Six of the top nine emitting countries are significantly underreporting their emissions.
This information is based on analysis from the Ember Global Coal Mine Methane Review 2026.
India among seven countries where 94 per cent of global CMM emissions originate. A coal mine in Jharia, Jharkhand.
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma
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