Methane plays a significant role in global temperature rise, accounting for about 30% of the observed warming since the Industrial Revolution. Therefore, the rapid and sustained reduction of methane emissions is essential to limit short-term global warming and improve the quality of the air we breathe.
According to the IEA, reducing methane emissions has significant advantages, since methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide is more persistent in the atmosphere, methane has a much more immediate impact on global warming.
There are multiple sources of methane emissions, including livestock, energy production, fossil fuel exploitation and poor waste management. Addressing these emission sources requires implementing effective measures across different sectors.
Funding to reduce methane gas emissions can be obtained from a variety of sources, both in the public and private sectors. There are several initiatives and programs available to support projects aimed at mitigating methane gas, especially related to waste management, agriculture, energy and natural resource extraction.
At the international level, organizations such as the World Bank, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provide funding and technical assistance for projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. These programs aim to support projects in developing and emerging countries, encouraging the implementation of sustainable technologies and practices.
Many national and regional governments have their own funding programs for emission reduction projects. They can include subsidies, tax breaks, low-interest loans and other financial mechanisms to support the transition to low-carbon technologies and more sustainable practices.
In the private sector, investors and investment funds are increasingly interested in supporting projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. This occurs both through direct investments in companies and projects and through financial instruments such as green bonds and socially responsible investment funds.
Some companies have internal financing programs or partnerships with financial institutions to support the implementation of low-carbon technologies and practices in their operations or in their supply chain.
To access finance to reduce methane gas emissions, it is important that projects are well planned and present a solid strategy, including cost-benefit analyses, emission reduction estimates, implementation and monitoring plans, among other important elements. It is recommended to seek information from government agencies, financial institutions and international organizations to learn about available options and eligibility criteria.
Reducing methane is a major challenge in combating climate change, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with an impact about 28 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) in trapping heat in the atmosphere. . Here are some proven strategies to reduce methane emissions:
- Waste management: Anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills is a major source of methane emissions. Capturing and using the biogas produced in landfills, converting it into electrical or thermal energy, significantly reduces methane emissions.
- Livestock and rice cultivation are two important sources of methane emissions in the agricultural sector. The adoption of manure management techniques, such as biodigestion systems, can capture the methane produced by animal manure and convert it into energy. Furthermore, adopting sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture and water management can reduce methane emissions from rice cultivation.
- Extraction of fossil fuels: The extraction and production of oil, natural gas and coal are also significant sources of methane emissions. Implementing more efficient extraction technologies and practices and properly controlling methane leaks in production and distribution processes can reduce these emissions.
- Energy: The burning of fossil fuels in power generation is another major source of methane emissions. The transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy will reduce dependence on fossil fuels and hence the associated methane emissions.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Global Methane Report 2020, global methane emissions reached a record high in 2017, at around 596 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Agriculture, the waste sector and fossil fuel extraction were the main sources.
According to the Global Methane Initiative, reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2030 could prevent up to 0.3°C of global warming by 2045 and have a significant impact on reducing climate change.
It is estimated that up to 50% of methane emissions can be reduced with currently available technologies and practices. In addition to contributing to reducing climate change, reducing methane emissions can also bring economic benefits, such as job creation in the renewable energy industry and improved energy efficiency.
It is important to emphasize that methane reduction must be an integrated approach, involving governments, the private sector and civil society. Monitoring emissions, implementing appropriate policies and investing in clean technologies are key to achieving ambitious methane reduction targets and combating climate change.
The Climate Observatory: Methane Study
The document “Climate Observatory: Methane Study” is a study that analyzes the issue of methane emissions and their impact on global warming. Despite its impacts, what is seen is that methane emissions have often been neglected in strategies to combat climate change.
The energy sector is the main source of methane emissions, mainly due to the production and distribution of oil and natural gas. The study highlights the need to improve fossil fuel extraction, storage and transport practices to reduce methane emissions in this sector.
Brazil occupies the position of fifth largest emitter of methane in the world, being responsible for about 5.5% of global emissions of this gas. This percentage is significantly higher than the country's share of total greenhouse gas emissions, which is 3.3%.
Estimates by the Climate Observatory showed that Brazilian methane emissions reached 21.7 million tons, which is equivalent to approximately 565 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This amount represents about 26% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.
These numbers highlight the importance of addressing and reducing methane emissions in Brazil. The main emission sources include sectors such as energy, agriculture and livestock. Improving agricultural practices, adopting methane capture and storage technologies and reducing leaks in the energy industry are measures that can contribute to mitigating these emissions.
The study highlights the importance of international cooperation and the implementation of effective policies to reduce methane emissions. Actions such as the detection and repair of methane leaks, the use of methane capture and storage technologies and the promotion of the use of renewable energies are recommended measures to mitigate the impact of methane on global warming.
The study highlights that the reduction of methane emissions is a key element in the fight against climate change. Implementing effective strategies to control methane emissions in key sectors can significantly contribute to limiting global warming and its negative impacts.
