Forum Urges Action on Methane Ahead of COP29
By CCN News | Published: March 20, 2024
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With increasing political momentum and advancing measurement technologies, the Global Methane Forum convened leaders to translate commitments into tangible reductions in methane emissions.
Hosted by the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), in collaboration with the Global Methane Hub and the UNEP-led Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Global Methane Forum took place from 18-21 March 2024 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event drew nearly 500 attendees in-person and hundreds more online, including policymakers, country representatives, project developers, and organizations from over 50 countries. Participants shared successful strategies to drive down methane emissions in line with the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030 and has garnered support from 157 countries and the European Union.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming potential of CO2 over a 20-year period, constitutes about 30% of total warming since the Industrial Revolution, making immediate emissions reductions critical for climate action.
Turning commitments into action
At the plenary session, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean urged global leaders to step up methane reduction efforts alongside decarbonization of energy systems. Achieving the Global Methane Pledge goals could potentially reduce global warming by at least 0.2°C by 2050, underscoring the urgency to act in the face of extreme weather events affecting vulnerable countries.
Tomás Carbonell, GMI Chair and Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the Forum's role in advancing technical expertise since its inception in 2004. He emphasized GMI's network-building efforts worldwide to achieve ambitious methane reductions, noting the global support for methane action.
Cost-effective emissions reductions
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that existing technologies can abate over 75% of methane emissions from oil and gas operations and 50% from coal mines. Guidance documents from the Forum's partners, including UNECE, provide critical support for cost-effective methane mitigation across sectors.
As the primary global event focused on methane between COP28 and COP29 (to be held in Azerbaijan in 2024), the Forum bolstered international momentum and catalyzed action on methane mitigation.
Rick Duke, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate at the Executive Office of the President of the United States, underscored methane's role in achieving near-term climate goals and emphasized GMI's leadership in demonstrating effective methane reduction strategies.
The Forum featured sessions showcasing innovative methane mitigation initiatives across biogas, coal mines, and oil and gas sectors. Panelists shared insights on technical, policy, financing, and regulatory aspects, while the Methane Action Showcase highlighted over 30 effective methane mitigation projects worldwide.
Marcelo Mena, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Methane Hub, described the Forum as pivotal in rallying nations and industries to address methane emissions collaboratively. He stressed the importance of mobilizing finance, driving innovation, and delivering concrete results to combat climate change.
Martina Otto, Head of the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat, highlighted the inclusion of methane reduction targets in upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as crucial for unlocking financial support. She emphasized the role of comprehensive policies in scaling up methane reductions alongside decarbonization efforts to meet the Paris Agreement's ambitious climate goals.
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