Climate: An international meeting in Paris to accelerate global action on methane reduction

The government called for a collective mobilization around three priorities: speeding up emissions reductions, strengthening measures through new technologies to better identify sources, and implementing “concrete solutions and ambitious regulatory frameworks,” the Ministry of Ecological Transition said in a statement Monday night.

Among the main announcements of the day’s discussions, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicated that it would expand its global methane detection system via satellite to include emissions from coal mines and waste treatment facilities, not just oil and gas installations.

Additionally, the national oil companies of Libya, Pakistan, and Angola declared their participation in UNEP’s program for measuring, reporting, and reducing methane emissions, bringing coverage to 50% of global production.

The day also highlighted that methane, as the second-largest contributor to climate change after CO2, has a warming potential around 80 times higher over 20 years. However, its shorter lifespan makes reducing it a source of “significant short-term climate benefits,” according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker report.

Odorless and invisible, methane is the molecule of natural gas that escapes from petroleum infrastructure, agriculture, and landfills.

Nearly 160 countries have committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030, but the world is still “far from the goal,” according to Ms. Barbut in the opening speech, calling for uniting forces to accelerate effective solutions.

Around 60% of global methane emissions are due to human activities, with agriculture leading, followed by energy.

Despite known and proven mitigation solutions, there is “no sign” of a decrease in emissions from the fossil fuel sector, as noted in the IEA report.

Addressing methane could also help countries enhance gas market security amid the energy crisis, emphasized by the Barbados Prime Minister and the European Union Commissioner for Energy.

The potential to recover 200 billion cubic meters of gas annually by reducing emissions from oil and gas operations and eliminating unnecessary flaring could play a significant role in meeting reduction targets.

Reducing methane emissions remains crucial for slowing climate change, improving public health, and strengthening energy security, emphasized by various global leaders during the conference.

Agriculture remains a significant source of methane, mainly from livestock and rice cultivation, along with landfills. The energy sector currently offers the quickest and most cost-effective reductions.

Efforts to address methane will continue leading up to COP31, with new strategies and action plans, the ministry announced on Monday night.