Why Reducing Methane Emissions Matters
Reducing methane emissions is crucial, as methane (CH₄) is a highly potent greenhouse gas with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of approximately 84 over a 20-year period. Despite its relatively short atmospheric lifetime of about 12 years, it contributes significantly to the short-term radiation balance and thus to global warming. Methane emissions also promote the formation of ground-level ozone, which is both climate-relevant and harmful to health. From a technical perspective, emissions result primarily from leaks in natural gas infrastructure, incomplete combustion, and biological processes in agriculture. Minimizing these emissions is a cost-effective measure for achieving climate goals and stabilizing the radiative forcing.
The EU Strategy for Reducing Methane Emissions
The European Methane Regulation (EU 2024/1787) has been in force since August 2024 and aims to significantly reduce methane emissions in the energy sector and in global fossil fuel supply chains. It complements the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package and is a key instrument for achieving the EU’s climate goals.
