Part II: Curbing Methane Emissions

As countries struggle to source reliable energy for their people and their economies, the tension between energy security and climate change mitigation continues to grow. The discussion will heat up again in November as sovereign leaders gather for COP27, the United Nation’s annual conference on climate change. During last year’s COP26, countries made significant commitments to managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C. However, the events of this year have delayed, and in some cases reversed, climate progress in order to address near-term energy shortfalls.

The latest report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that while emissions reduction initiatives are key to adhering to the Paris Agreement, some forms of emissions are too costly or complicated to abate through energy efficiency or switching to renewables. In our “Tools for Decarbonization” ESG mini-series, we explore solutions and technologies that may not get the same level of attention as solar power or electric vehicles but have the potential to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Part I covered Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration. In Part II, we discuss the environmental risks and investment opportunities associated with methane, which accounts for one-fifth of global GHG emissions.

To read our full report, contact us at [email protected].