Global Methane Pledge Aims to Reduce Emissions

While carbon used to capture the world’s consciousness, methane is having its moment.

Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, methane has been responsible for about half of the 1 degree Celsius net global rise in temperatures since the pre-industrial era.

At COP26, more than 100 countries signed on to a Global Methane Pledge, agreeing to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent between 2020 and 2030. For the U.S., much of that reduction will rely on identifying and reducing methane leaks

In a letter to oil company executives, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, said, “The United States cannot achieve its targeted reduction in methane emissions under the Global Methane Pledge without a swift and large-scale decline in oil and gas sector methane leaks. The existence of these leaks, as well as continued uncertainty regarding their size, duration, and frequency, threatens America’s ability to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”

Both private and public companies are working on using emerging technologies like drones, satellites, and advanced data analytics to identify, track, and prevent methane leaks.

Fighting global climate change will require a focus on both carbon and methane. No more blowing hot air.