Headline: US Announces Ambitious Plan to Slash Methane Emissions by 80% at Cop28 Summit
The United States has made a groundbreaking announcement at the Cop28 summit, unveiling a comprehensive plan to crack down on methane emissions. The new regulations aim to reduce methane emissions from the US oil and gas industry by a staggering 80% by the year 2038.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to the climate crisis, will be targeted through various measures. Under the US rule, oil and gas companies will be required to plug leaks, eliminate routine flaring, and implement better monitoring systems to detect and control escaping methane. This ambitious plan is expected to cut the equivalent of a remarkable 1.5 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 15 years.
In a collective effort to combat methane emissions globally, countries, businesses, and donors have raised an impressive $1 billion in funding. This financial support will aid in reducing methane emissions on a global scale. Notably, Turkmenistan, a country known for its high methane emissions, has joined the global methane pledge. The inclusion of Turkmenistan is seen as a significant step in addressing methane leaks and strengthening international efforts.
John Kerry, the US’s climate envoy, stresses the importance of tackling methane emissions. Kerry highlights that progress on methane reduction has been mixed, with some countries successfully cutting emissions while others witness an increase. To increase accountability, major methane emitters are now under scrutiny through satellite imaging and the implementation of a UN methane alert system. This advanced system has already identified and alerted operators about 127 major methane plumes, serving to publicly name and shame the culprits of methane emissions events.
In addition to the methane crackdown, other noteworthy developments emerged from the Cop28 summit. The United States has joined a coalition of countries committing to no new coal plants, sending a strong signal about transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Furthermore, Colombia has joined a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, emphasizing the global momentum against the use of fossil fuels. Over 100 countries have expressed support for a fossil fuel phase-out as part of the Cop28 agreement.
The head of the International Energy Agency has issued a warning that the oil and gas industry must transition to renewable energy or face severe economic decline. This admonition underscores the urgent need for decarbonization and highlights the potential consequences of inaction.
As the United States takes a bold step in slashing methane emissions, the international community continues to rally behind efforts to combat climate change. Cop28 has served as a platform for nations to demonstrate their commitment to mitigating harmful greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a sustainable, cleaner future.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”