Global methane emissions from the extraction of coal could rise by as much as 21.6% if all new mining projects now under development go into operation, according to a research report by US environmental group Global Energy Monitor.
The report said methane emissions from the world's coal mines now stand at 52.3-million tonnes per year, higher than the 39-million tonnes per year emitted during the extraction of oil. It could rise by another 11.3-million tonnes a year if new projects are completed.
