Global Historical Methane Emissions by Country

May 1, 2024

Historical methane (CH4) emissions worldwide, by country, contributed one fifth of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2018.

China is the largest emitter of CH4, by a considerable margin, followed by the US, India, Russia, and Brazil. Combined, these top 5 methane emitters represent almost 50% of global methane emissions.

US Historical Methane Emissions

May 1, 2024

US historical methane (CH4) emissions by primary industry sector (agriculture, energy , and waste) from 1990 to 2022.

The energy sector is the largest contributor to US methane emissions averaging 45% of the total since 1990, although there has been a noticeable decline since 2018 dropping to almost 41% in 2022.

Total Methane Emissions in the US

July 16, 2021

Total US methane (CH4) emissions, in CO2e, have essentially been in decline from 2000-2019.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established voluntary methane programs for the oil and natural gas industry to adopt cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and reduce methane emissions.

Methane Emissions in Canada

July 21, 2021

Percentage contribution of methane (CH4) emissions in Canada, by industry sector.

The oil & gas sector is by far the largest contributor to methane emissions in Canada followed by agriculture and waste.

Canadian Methane Emissions from Oil & Gas Sector

July 15, 2021

Canadian methane (CH4) emissions from the oil and gas sector in western Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia) from 2020 to 2025.

In 2020 methane emissions were reduced due to a decline of economic activities and, in particular, oil production. Methane emissions are expected to decline after 2022 as a result of federal and Provincial regulations.