A 2019 investigation by the environmental group Greenpeace East Asia found that Shenhua had underreported its methane emissions by 60% in 2017, based on data from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The discrepancy between Shenhua’s self-reported data and the government’s data is particularly concerning because methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 84 times that of carbon dioxide..
In response to the Greenpeace report, Shenhua acknowledged that its methane emissions data may not be accurate and pledged to improve its monitoring and reporting systems. However, subsequent investigations have found that Shenhua’s methane emissions data remains inconsistent..
The inconsistency raises questions about Shenhua’s commitment to reducing its climate impact and China’s ability to meet its climate goals. China has pledged to peak its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these goals, China will need to significantly reduce its methane emissions, which account for about 10% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions..
Shenhua is one of the largest coal companies in the world and a major contributor to China’s methane emissions. The company’s inconsistent methane emissions data is a reminder that China faces significant challenges in meeting its climate goals..
In addition to the Greenpeace investigation, other studies have also found that Shenhua’s methane emissions data is inconsistent. A 2020 study by the International Energy Agency found that Shenhua’s self-reported methane emissions were 40% lower than the IEA’s own estimates..
The discrepancy between Shenhua’s self-reported data and the data from other sources is concerning because it suggests that Shenhua may not be taking its climate responsibilities seriously..
China has made significant progress in reducing its carbon emissions in recent years. However, the country still has a long way to go to achieve its climate goals. The inconsistent methane emissions data from Shenhua is a reminder that China faces significant challenges in meeting its climate goals..
China will need to take strong action to reduce its methane emissions if it wants to meet its climate goals. The government should work with companies like Shenhua to improve their methane emissions monitoring and reporting systems. The government should also consider implementing regulations to limit methane emissions from coal mines..
Reducing methane emissions is an important part of the fight against climate change. China can play a leading role in the fight against climate change by taking strong action to reduce its methane emissions..
