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Turkmenistan begins repairing methane mega-leaks after UN alerts
The UN Methane Alert and Response System sent 192 plume alerts to Turkmenistan in the last year, and the country responded with on-the-ground information about roughly 20% of them.
Turkmenistan has started repairing methane mega-leaks from ageing oil and gas facilities after UN data highlighted it as a major source of the potent greenhouse gas, The Guardian reports. The outlet describes methane as a gas that traps far more heat than carbon dioxide and notes that plugging leaks can deliver rapid climate benefits.
According to the report, Turkmenistan has stopped eight methane leaks by repairing corroded pipes, faulty wells, and failing flares, with the UN calling the progress an “incredible first step” while saying more work remains. The article says a single “super-emitter” leak can release tonnes of methane per hour.
The Guardian adds that the UN Methane Alert and Response System sent 192 alerts of methane plumes to Turkmenistan in the last year, and that the country had multiple of the largest leaks detected worldwide in the prior six months. It also says Turkmenistan responded to about 20% of alerts with on-the-ground information about leaks and potential repair plans.
The piece contrasts Turkmenistan’s actions with the United States, saying the US was sent 138 UN alerts in the last year but responded to none and fixed no leaks during that period. The Guardian frames the attention on Turkmenistan as a factor that helped prompt engagement with foreign partners.