EXCLUSIVE: The EU pursues a global agreement to reduce documents on methane that heats the planet

BRUSSELS / WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 (Reuters) – The United States and the European Union have agreed to try to reduce emissions of methane gas that will warm the planet by a third by the end of this decade and push other major economies to unite ‘there, according to documents seen by Reuters.

Their pact comes as Washington and Brussels try to galvanize other major economies ahead of a world summit to address climate change in Glasgow, Scotland, in November, and could have a significant impact on the energy industries, the agriculture and waste responsible for the thickness of methane. emissions.

Greenhouse gas methane, the leading cause of climate change after carbon dioxide (CO2), faces more scrutiny as governments seek solutions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees , a goal of the Paris climate agreement.

In an attempt to launch the action, the United States and the EU will make a joint commitment later this week to reduce human-caused methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, compared to 2020, according to a draft of the Global Methane Commitment seen by Reuters.

“The short atmospheric life of methane means that acting now can quickly reduce the rate of global warming,” the draft said.

A separate document lists more than two dozen countries that the United States and the EU intend to join the promise. They include major broadcasters such as China, Russia, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, as well as others such as Norway, Qatar, Britain, New Zealand and South Africa.

The U.S. Department of State declined to comment and the European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the documents.

The deal is likely to be unveiled on Friday at a meeting of major emitting economies aimed at backing its support ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow.

World leaders are under pressure from scientists, environmentalists and growing popular sentiment to commit to more ambitious action to curb climate change in Glasgow.

Methane has a higher heat capture potential than CO2, but decomposes in the atmosphere more quickly, resulting in “strong, rapid and sustained reductions” in methane emissions, as well as reducing emissions of CO2, can have a climate impact quickly, a fact highlighted by a report by the intergovernmental group on climate change last month.

Experts say the fossil fuel sector has the greatest potential to reduce methane emissions this decade by repairing leaky pipes or gas storage facilities, and many of these solutions can be done down cost.

However, satellite and infrared images have revealed in recent years that methane emissions escaping from oil and gas fields in countries such as the EU, Mexico and the United States. Read more

Both the United States and the EU will have to propose laws this year to restrict methane emissions.

The US-EU commitment would cover key sources of methane emissions, including leaks from oil and gas infrastructure, former coal mines, agriculture and waste, such as landfills.

Countries that join the pledge would commit to taking national measures to collectively achieve the methane reduction target, “focusing on the rules to achieve all possible reductions in the energy and waste sectors.” and reducing agricultural emissions through “technological innovation as well as incentives and partnerships with farmers,” he said.

Reports by Valerie Volcovici; Edited by Christopher Cushing, Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall

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