Global methane leaks and fish farming waste spark urgent environmental alarms
New reports highlight major environmental challenges from methane leaks and fish farming waste. A landfill in Chile remains the world’s worst site for methane emissions, while Norwegian aquaculture releases nutrients equal to sewage from millions. Meanwhile, the EU is adjusting emissions rules to ease costs for industries while tightening reporting requirements. The Lomas Los Colorados landfill in Chile still leads global methane emissions, releasing around 102,667 metric tons annually. Since 2007, its biogas capture project has prevented over 700 million cubic meters of methane and 11 million tons of CO₂ from escaping. Despite this progress, the site remains a top polluter.
In the US, Texas recorded the largest methane leak of 2025, emitting 5.5 tonnes per hour. Globally, the energy sector’s methane levels stayed near record highs, with 200 billion cubic meters of gas potentially recoverable through better controls. Norway’s fish farming industry also faces scrutiny. Each year, it discharges 75,000 tonnes of nitrogen, 13,000 tonnes of phosphorus, and 360,000 tonnes of organic carbon. These volumes match the untreated sewage of 17.2 million people for nitrogen, 20 million for phosphorus, and 30 million for organic carbon. The Norwegian Seafood Federation insists current production is sustainable but warns that expansion could worsen eutrophication, harming fjords with toxic algal blooms and oxygen loss. The European Commission is updating emissions rules. Companies will soon report indirect emissions when applying for free permits, replacing the current focus on direct emissions only. At the same time, the EU plans to grant more free permits, cutting €4 billion in CO₂ costs for industries between 2026 and 2030.
The latest data shows persistent methane leaks from landfills and energy operations, alongside growing concerns over fish farming’s environmental toll. The EU’s policy shift aims to balance cost relief for industries with stricter emissions tracking. These changes will shape pollution control efforts in the coming years.
