Recent Slowdown of Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in China Driven by Stabilized Coal Production

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00463
• Publication Date: 2021-08-12T14:46:33Z
• Authors: Gang Liu; Shushi Peng; Xin Lin; Philippe Ciais; Xinyu Li; Yi Xi; Zihan Lu; Jinfeng Chang; Marielle Saunois; Yuxuan Wu; Prabir Patra; Naveen Chandra; Hui Zeng; Shilong Piao
• Keywords: Slowdown; Methane Emissions

Anthropogenic methane emissions in China increased by 40% the 2000s, contributing 16% of global anthropogenic emissions. The trend after 2010, however, remains under debate. An improved understanding major sources and their trends, informed timely accurate data, is required to monitor efforts toward climate mitigation goals. Here we update a detailed bottom-up inventory evaluate recent changes China's CH4 Combining our other inventories seven inversions, show slowdown emission increase 2010 [0.2 (−0.3 0.7) Tg year–2] compared 2000s [1.2 (0.6–1.8) year–2], with downward detected 2014. Although there are considerable uncertainties, this statistically significant (p < 0.001). mainly attributed stabilized coal production 2010s, along regional shift mining areas low factors utilization mine methane. Our results suggest that energy policies have helped control emissions, further work needed narrow down uncertainty both top-down inversions.