Abstract |
The chapter focuses on methane emissions from the coal and natural gas industries. The petroleum industry is not addressed because of the lack of related quality data. Emission points are identified for each industry, and a discussion of factors affecting emissions is presented. A summary and discussion of available global and country-specific emission estimates are also provided. Where possible, assessment of date quality are offered. Not included are minor energy sources known or believed to emit some quantities of methane. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, coke production facilities, peat mining, shale oil mining operations, and the coalbed methane industry. This latter enterprise treats only coal as a methane source. It does not include methane that is captured and utilized from some coal mining operations. |