Stepping on the gas: the state of global methane policies and regulations

Introduction

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is emitted from a variety of sources, including natural gas and oil production, agriculture, and waste disposal. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the role of methane in climate change, and a number of countries have adopted policies and regulations to reduce methane emissions.

The state of global methane policies and regulations

As of 2021, 22 countries have adopted national methane reduction targets. These targets vary in scope and ambition, but they all represent a significant commitment to reducing methane emissions. The European Union has set a target of reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030, while the United States has set a target of reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2025.

In addition to national targets, there are a number of international initiatives to reduce methane emissions. The Global Methane Pledge, launched in 2021, is a commitment by over 100 countries to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. The initiative is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Commission.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also developed a roadmap for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The roadmap outlines a number of measures that can be taken to reduce methane emissions, including improving leak detection and repair programs, and using new technologies to capture and use methane.

The benefits of reducing methane emissions

Reducing methane emissions has a number of benefits, including:

• Reducing methane emissions can help to mitigate climate change.
• Reducing methane emissions can improve air quality.
• Reducing methane emissions can save money for businesses and consumers.
• Reducing methane emissions can create jobs.

The challenges of reducing methane emissions

There are a number of challenges to reducing methane emissions, including:

• Identifying and quantifying methane emissions can be difficult.
• Reducing methane emissions can be expensive.
• Reducing methane emissions can require changes to business practices.
• Reducing methane emissions can require international cooperation.

Conclusion

Reducing methane emissions is a critical step in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. A number of countries and international organizations have adopted policies and regulations to reduce methane emissions, and there is growing momentum behind these efforts. However, there are also a number of challenges to reducing methane emissions, and it will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and consumers to achieve significant reductions.