Methane from Australian coal and gas could be 60% higher than estimated

Excess methane being burned off. Scientists say it is responsible for about 30% of global heating. Photograph: Matt Brown/AP

Methane emissions from Australian coalmines and gas production could be more than 60% higher than federal government estimates suggest, according to satellite and ground data released by the International Energy Agency.

The results of the Paris-based energy organisation’s annual methane tracker, released this week, led to renewed calls for the Albanese government to require emissions cuts at existing local and gas mines using existing technology and to block new developments.