Global Methane Forum Celebrates Two Decades of Methane Reduction Progress
The EPA was instrumental in launching the Global Methane Initiative in 2004.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Mar 22, 2024
At the 2024 Global Methane Forum, 450 global environmental leaders convened at the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), a partnership aimed at curbing methane emissions worldwide.
According to a release dated March 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state department officials launched the GMI in 2004. Since then, the partnership has made significant strides in reducing methane emissions, resulting in a reduction of over 540 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The Global Methane Pledge aims to reduce methane emissions 30 percent by 2030, as the initiative continues to drive methane mitigation worldwide.
“This event marks the Global Methane Initiative’s 20th anniversary as a global public-private partnership that, since 2004, has led the way on advancing technical understanding to reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes about one-third of today’s warming,” Tomás Carbonell, deputy assistant administrator of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and chair of GMI, said in a statement. “GMI has created networks of people around the world who can act on methane and achieve ambitious reductions. We are grateful to see the world rallying behind this important effort as we know that together we can mobilize greater methane action.”
Through technical collaboration and innovation, GMI played a vital role in reducing methane emissions from sectors such as oil and gas, coal mining, and waste management. The EPA's leadership and support aided in demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of methane reduction projects. This year’s forum showcased over 30 methane reduction projects and initiatives, including recent regulations implemented by the EPA under the Clean Air Act.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.