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International ActivitiesEPA is involved in a variety of international activities to better understand and quantify global methane emissions, assess the costs and benefits of emission reduction options, and to facilitate cost-effective, emission reduction opportunities. In addition, EPA is leading the United States commitment to the new Methane to Markets Partnership. Below is additional information on EPA’s international activities in these key areas. Methane to Markets PartnershipThe Methane to Markets Partnership is a new international initiative that will reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, promote energy security, and improve the environment. The initiative focuses on cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and recovery of methane for use as a clean energy source. Central to this effort is the establishment of partnerships among developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition – along with strong participation from the private sector. The Methane to Markets Partnership targets three major methane emission sources: landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems. Cooperative research into methane science issues and cost-effective activities to reduce agricultural emissions over the longer-term will also be undertaken. Other specific benefits include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality. The United States plans to host the first meeting of the Partnership at a Ministerial November 15-17, 2004 in Washington, DC. Representatives from countries considering joining the Partnership will be invited. In addition, active involvement by private sector entities, financial institutions, and other non-governmental organizations is considered essential to build capacity, transfer technology, and promote private investment that will ensure the Partnership’s success. The following materials and links provide additional background on methane, climate change, and the Methane to Markets Partnership.
Other Methane Reduction ActivitiesSince 1993, EPA has been working collaboratively with industry through a series of voluntary programs to reduce US methane emissions. Building from these programs, EPA has also implemented activities to reduce emissions in key countries around the world. These efforts have resulted in the successful project development at landfills and underground coal mines and established a solid foundation for the Methane to Markets Partnership. For more information on these international activities, please visit the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program and Landfill Methane Outreach Program sites. International AnalysesMethane plays an important role in efforts to address global climate change due to its high global warming potential and the availability of cost-effective emission reduction opportunities. As a result, EPA collects and develops data on historical and projected international emissions of methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases and assesses the costs of reducing these emissions. For more information please visit our International Analyses page. |
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