methane
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Ed Miliband to lead UK delegation at COP29
Ed Miliband will spearhead the UK’s efforts at this year's crucial climate summit in Azerbaijan, marking a significant change from the Conservative government's approach.
In short:
- Ed Miliband, energy security and net zero secretary, will lead the UK delegation at COP29 in Azerbaijan this November.
- His involvement is expected to bring strong UK leadership to the negotiations, which will focus on climate finance for developing countries.
- The geopolitical landscape, including conflicts and the upcoming US election, will influence the summit's outcomes.
Key quote:
"The fact that the multilateral negotiations will be led by the secretary of energy himself instead of delegating to a junior minister denotes recognition of the importance of the process as we near the halfway point in this decisive decade. We could not be more pleased with the news."
— Christiana Figueres, founding partner of the Global Optimism thinktank
Why this matters:
Effective leadership at COP29 means more than just high-level pledges; it requires a nuanced approach that balances diplomacy, innovation, and accountability. Leaders must build on the momentum from previous conferences, such as COP26 in Glasgow, where key agreements on methane reduction and deforestation were made. However, these commitments need to translate into action, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.
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Federal funds for methane-cutting digesters in farms could end up boosting methane emissions
The U.S. is investing millions in anaerobic digesters to cut methane emissions from cattle, but critics argue this may boost industrial-scale farming and methane production.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act funds anaerobic digesters to convert manure into biogas, aiming to reduce methane emissions.
- Critics claim the funding encourages the expansion of larger farms, potentially increasing overall methane emissions.
- The Biden Administration views digesters as a key technology for meeting the Global Methane Pledge targets of reducing the country’s methane emissions by 30% by 2030. So far, the U.S. is falling short on achieving that goal.
Key quote:
"Cutting methane quickly is the best lever we have to slow global warming in the next couple decades. Digesters are the single most effective tool in our toolbox."
— Michael Lerner, director of research at Energy Vision, a nonprofit that focuses on methane reduction.
Why this matters:
Large-scale farming often relies on practices and technologies that, while boosting productivity, can lead to increased methane emissions. For example, livestock farming is a significant source of methane due to enteric fermentation in ruminants. The drive for higher yields and greater efficiency in agriculture might lead to a paradox where the very technologies meant to enhance food production could exacerbate methane emissions.
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Credit: Chris Bentley/Flickr
Living near fossil gas leaks can seriously harm your health
Scientists use leaked methane to map toxic health threats in affected communities.
In short:
- Communities in the Permian Basin are experiencing health risks from pollutants released by oil and gas production.
- Studies link these pollutants to premature deaths and childhood asthma, with a significant annual health bill in the US.
- New technologies are helping to detect and map methane leaks, potentially reducing exposure to harmful emissions.
Key quote:
"The highest concentrations of these non-methane hydrocarbons are in gas at wellheads, which also have the highest emission rates."
— Amy Townsend-Small, professor and climate scientist at the University of Cincinnati
Why this matters:
Living near fossil gas infrastructure poses severe health risks, including respiratory issues and cancer. Detecting and reducing methane emissions can improve air quality and public health outcomes. Read more: Oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages.
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New Mexico emissions loophole enables significant methane releases
New Mexico's emissions loophole has resulted in significant methane releases, challenging state climate goals.
In short:
- Targa Northern Delaware vented substantial amounts of methane due to 'emergency' loopholes in state regulations.
- These emissions were the highest since New Mexico began tracking data in 2021, significantly impacting greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
- Despite regulations, the loophole allows substantial methane releases under specific conditions deemed as emergencies.
Key quote:
“Why wasn’t this massive amount of gas routed to a flare?”
— Jon Goldstein, senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is more than 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, and its unchecked release can accelerate global warming. The issue is particularly pressing in New Mexico, where oil and gas production is a major economic driver yet a significant source of methane emissions. This situation places the state at a crossroads: how to sustain its economic engine without compromising its environmental responsibilities.
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Growing methane exports pose risks to Gulf Coast communities
Researchers argue that the expansion of liquefied natural gas facilities in the Gulf Coast endangers local environments and communities, particularly affecting minority populations.
In short:
- The report identifies significant environmental and health risks for communities near six LNG facilities in Louisiana and Texas.
- Increased LNG production has made the U.S. the world's leading exporter, raising concerns about global emission targets.
- Local disparities in employment and compensation exacerbate the economic impact on affected communities.
Key quote:
"As communities of color are literally fighting for our lives on the front lines, (federal) departments and agencies like FERC ... continuously are approving permits for these deadly, monstrous projects."
— Roishetta Ozane, executive director of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
Why this matters:
Historically, industrial developments have been disproportionately sited in minority communities, leading to concerns about systemic discrimination and neglect by policymakers. The siting of LNG facilities often follows this pattern. LNG facilities are typically associated with air and water pollution, including the release of hazardous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems.
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Credit: Fabio Rossi/Flickr
Natural gas study draws criticism over industry influence
A recent report led by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and funded by the natural gas industry, has faced backlash for downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
In short:
- The report was funded by the natural gas industry and is said to favor LNG despite climate concerns.
- A congressional investigation revealed that oil and gas companies have been downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
- Some scientists argue the climate impact of natural gas is as bad as or worse than coal.
Key quote:
"The facts presented then and subsequent research from RMI and peers have confirmed that leaks of methane, the main ingredient in natural gas, even at small amounts, make it as bad as or worse than coal for the climate and not necessarily the cleaner alternative it was once thought to be."
— Amory Lovins, cofounder and former chief scientist for the Rocky Mountain Institute
Why this matters:
Understanding the industry's influence on reports like this one is crucial to ensure policies are based on objective science. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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Credit: Kinder Morgan
Proposed pipeline project faces legal challenges over environmental risks
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) over its approval of a pipeline slated to supply methane gas to a new Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power plant in Middle Tennessee.
In short:
- The Sierra Club and Appalachian Voices are challenging FERC's approval of the 32-mile pipeline, citing risks to communities and natural resources along the route.
- The controversial pipeline will supply methane gas to a TVA plant, one of several gas-powered plants TVA has proposed, despite environmental criticism.
- The pipeline's route will impact predominantly poor or Black communities, and environmentalists warn of higher energy costs and climate damage.
Key quote:
“FERC is supposed to safeguard the public interest, not rubberstamp unnecessary pipeline projects that will harm our communities, hurt the climate, and contribute to higher power bills.”
— Spencer Gall, senior attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
Why this matters:
Environmental groups argue that such projects exacerbate climate change and lead to health and financial burdens for already vulnerable communities. Read more: Protesting oil and gas pipeline development harms mental health and creates distrust in government.
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