Long absent from the agenda of major climate summits, methane is now at the center of the fight against climate change. Tuesday, November 2, 26I Glasgow World Climate Conference (COP26), about 90 The states have joined the “Global Methane Treaty,” an initiative of the United States and the European Union, to combat this very powerful pollutant. France, Germany, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, the United States, Indonesia, Iraq and the United Kingdom have committed to reducing global emissions of this greenhouse gas by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. This is the first global political commitment. in this area.
Signatory countries cover almost half of global methane emissions and two-thirds of global GDP. However, China, Russia and India, which account for a third of emissions, are not part of the new alliance. “I encourage all countries to join us, US President Joe Biden kicked off the leaders’ summit on Monday. This is the simplest and most effective strategy for slowing climate change in the short term. “
“This commitment is a major step forward in avoiding crossing irreversible tipping points, The NGO welcomes Sarah Smith, Program Director to the Clean Air Task Force. Rapidly reducing methane emissions is the fastest way to keep international climate goals within reach. “ “It is very encouraging, even though at the moment, these are commitments that are not tied to specific actions. Countries will have to say how they plan to get there”, warns Marielle Saunois, teacher-researcher in the Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences and coordinator of the global methane inventory.
almost immediate effect on temperature
In recent times, announcements aimed at reducing emissions of this gas have increased manifold. G20 meeting in Rome on 30 and 31 October first time recognition NS “Significant Contribution” Methane emissions for climate change and the need to reduce them.
The US Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced new rules to reduce emissions from existing oil and gas wells across the country, not just new facilities. Canada, for its part, is committed to reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector by at least 75% by 2030 compared to 2012 levels. Finally, the European Parliament Commission called, at the end of OctoberTo propose binding measures and targets to limit this pollutant for all sectors. And the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has just started with the European Union a International Methane Emissions Observatory.
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