Berhampur University Identifies Odisha as Key Methane Hotspot in Landmark India Climate Study

Berhampur University Unveils Groundbreaking Methane Emissions Inventory for India

In a pioneering effort from the Department of Environmental Science at Berhampur University in Odisha, researchers have developed India's first high-resolution gridded methane emission dataset for 2023. Led by Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahu and PhD scholar Ashirbad Mishra, the study published in Earth System Science Data identifies Odisha as one of the nation's key methane hotspots, contributing approximately 6% to India's total methane output. This comprehensive inventory at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution covers 25 anthropogenic and natural sources, providing unprecedented spatial detail for climate modeling and policy-making.

The research highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in high-emission regions like Odisha, where extensive wetlands and coal mining activities drive significant releases. As higher education institutions like Berhampur University play a pivotal role in addressing climate challenges, this work underscores the contributions of Indian academics to global sustainability efforts.

Methane: The Potent Greenhouse Gas Driving Climate Change

Methane (CH₄), a colorless, odorless gas, is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO₂). Over a 20-year period, it traps more than 85 times the heat of CO₂, accelerating global warming and contributing to extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones—issues acutely felt in Odisha. Globally, human activities account for about 60% of emissions, with agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste being primary sources.

In India, the third-largest methane emitter worldwide, emissions totaled 37.79 teragrams (Tg) per year in 2023, with roughly 75% from anthropogenic sources. Agriculture dominates at nearly 50%, followed by wetlands at 22.8%. This dataset marks the first national inclusion of natural sources like wetlands and termites, revealing their substantial role.

Methodology: High-Resolution Gridded Inventory Using Bottom-Up Approach

The Berhampur University team employed a bottom-up methodology aligned with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier II and Tier III guidelines. They integrated high-resolution activity data—such as livestock populations from the 20th Livestock Census, crop areas from the National Crop Forecast Centre, and wetland extents from the Water Resources Information System—with country-specific emission factors.

• Spatial allocation to 0.1° × 0.1° grids (about 3 km × 3 km) using proxies like river basins for wetlands and coal production maps for mining.
• Inclusion of 25 sources: livestock enteric fermentation, rice cultivation, inland/coastal wetlands, coal/oil/gas, municipal solid waste landfills, biomass burning, and termites.
• Uncertainty analysis: Overall ±59%, with higher ranges for natural sources (wetlands ±137%, termites ±161%).

The resulting dataset, available on Zenodo, enables precise hotspot identification and supports India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.Access the full study here.

National Overview: India's Methane Emissions Landscape

India's 2023 methane emissions reached 37.79 Tg yr^-1, with per capita emissions at 27 kg and per square kilometer burden at 11.6 tonnes. Key contributors include:

• Agriculture: ~49% (18.57 Tg), led by livestock (13 Tg, cattle dominant) and rice fields (5.65 Tg).
• Wetlands: 22.8% (8.6 Tg), with inland waters prominent.
• Fossil fuels: 8.9% (3.35 Tg), coal mining key in eastern states.
• Waste: 8.4% (3.17 Tg).

Hotspots cluster in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), coastal regions, and Deccan Plateau. Uttar Pradesh leads (10.8%), followed by Gujarat (9.4%) and Maharashtra (8.6%).

This granular data surpasses prior estimates like EDGAR (32.3 Tg for 2022), aiding accurate global inventories.

Odisha Emerges as a Prime Methane Hotspot

Odisha stands out, contributing ~6% of national emissions (~2.27 Tg). It ranks among the top five wetland-emitting states, accounting for 10% of India's wetland methane—driven by vast inland water bodies, deltaic systems like the Mahanadi, and coastal ecosystems. Eastern India's river basins amplify this, with Odisha integral to the profile.

Rural and semi-urban areas show higher emissions due to livestock density and traditional practices. Previously ranked second in overall GHG emissions (9.7%), this study spotlights methane specifics.Explore opportunities in Odisha's environmental sector.

Wetlands: Odisha's Dominant Natural Methane Source

Odisha's wetlands, including Chilika Lake and Mahanadi delta, are prolific methane producers via anaerobic decomposition. Contributing 10% nationally, they underscore natural emissions' role (25% total). Inland wetlands dominate, exacerbated by seasonal flooding and organic-rich sediments.

Management challenges include urbanization encroaching on these ecosystems, potentially increasing emissions. Conservation via the Odisha Wetland Authority could mitigate this, aligning with Ramsar Convention goals.

Coal Mining and Fossil Fuels Fuel Odisha's Emissions

As India's second-largest coal producer (237 million tonnes in 2023-24), Odisha's mining sector emits significantly from underground workings and post-mining drains. Central and eastern states, including Odisha, account for two-thirds of national coal mining CH₄. Thermal power plants (TPPs) add via supercritical units.

• Coal mining: ~0.78 Tg nationally, Odisha key player.
• TPPs: Nearly 50% national emissions shared with neighbors.

Capture technologies like ventilation air methane (VAM) recovery offer reduction potential up to 50%.IEA Methane Sources.

Agriculture, Waste, and Emerging Sources in Odisha

Rice paddies and livestock (cattle, buffalo) drive agricultural emissions, with Odisha's coastal rice belts prominent. Waste from urban growth and biomass cooking in rural homes add layers. Termites, linked to forests, contribute alongside.

Per the study, rural Odisha's traditional practices amplify these, contrasting lower urban emissions.

Implications for Policy and Climate Action

This inventory equips policymakers for India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeting 30% methane cut by 2030. For Odisha, it informs the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), prioritizing wetlands restoration and mining reforms.

No direct government response yet, but experts hail it for evidence-based planning.Career advice for climate researchers.

Mitigation Strategies: Pathways to Reduction

• Agriculture: Alternate wetting-drying (AWD) rice, methanotroph bacteria (ICAR-NRRI reduces 11%), improved feed.
• Wetlands: Restoration, avoid drainage; regenerative practices save 34-78% CH₄.
• Mining: VAM capture, degasification.
• Waste: Landfill gas recovery, composting.

Odisha's carbon credit farming pilots show promise.Research jobs in sustainability.

Berhampur University's Leadership in Environmental Research

Berhampur University, through experts like Dr. Sahu (focus on emission inventories), advances Odisha's higher education in climate science. Collaborations with IITs and ICAR bolster impacts. Aspiring researchers can pursue PhDs here, contributing to net-zero goals.Rate professors at Berhampur University.

Future Outlook: Towards a Low-Methane India

With datasets like this, India can refine models, attract funding, and meet global pledges. Odisha's transition—from coal dependency to green energy—holds promise. Higher ed must train experts for this.University jobs in India | Higher ed jobs | Career advice | Rate my professor | Post a job.

Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash