The Urgency of Reducing Methane Emissions

As the Chair of the Sustainable Urbanization Consortium, I feel compelled to discuss the pressing matter involving methane emissions and their significant effects on our climate system. Methane, a greenhouse gas with a potency 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide, presents a considerable danger to both our surroundings and public well-being over the next two decades. It is crucial that we take action to reduce methane emissions in order to combat climate change and enhance air quality across the world.

During the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), around 200 nations gathered in Dubai in 2023 to reassert their dedication to addressing climate change issues collaboratively. A significant result of this event was the decision to present revised goals, to decrease methane and other pollutant emissions by 2035 in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and reduce potentially irreversible planetary changes.

The Global Methane Pledge, launched in 2021 by the EU and the US, has been supported by 158 nations with the goal of reducing methane emissions by 30%. This significant objective plays a role in combating the climate crisis and necessitates collaborative efforts and creative solutions for success. Advancements in technology such as MethaneSAT and Carbon Mapper satellites are aiding in the monitoring and reduction of emissions by providing data, for targeted interventions to effectively control methane release.

Decreasing methane emissions brings about  health and the environment advantages, by lowering methane levels to decrease fatalities and asthma frequencies while also lessening the impact of severe weather occurrences. This enhancement will not only boost public health but also help in creating a more sustainable and robust environment.

The agreement at COP28 signified the start of the decline of the fossil fuel era, setting the stage for a rapid and fair shift towards a low carbon future. One of the important results of the conference was the global stock take that emphasized the crucial importance of making significant reductions in emissions, and increasing financial support to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. This thorough evaluation offers a guide for nations to enhance their strategies for addressing climate change by stressing the significance of encompassing all types of greenhouse gases across sectors and categories.

Moving ahead is crucial for governments and businesses to turn these promises into results in the real world promptly as the evidence is clear-cut. To restrict global warming to 1.1°C we need to eliminate fossil fuels and cut down global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030. This entails a massive decrease in methane emissions that contribute to approximately one third of the present warming caused by human actions.

The battle against climate change requires firm steps to be taken right away. As an international advisor on climate change and sustainable development, I strongly recommend that all parties give top priority to reducing methane emissions in their climate plans. By embracing advancements and setting ambitious goals for ourselves, we can lay the foundation for a future that is both sustainable and resistant to climate challenges.