A global review of methane policies reveals that only 13% of emissions are covered with unclear effectiveness

Achieving the Paris Agreement 1.5°C target requires a reversal of growing atmospheric concentrations methane, which is about 80 times more potent than CO2 on 20-year timescale. The Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report stated that methane underregulated, but little known effectiveness existing policies. In this review, we systematically examine policies across energy, waste, and agriculture sectors. We find currently only 13% emissions are covered by mitigation Moreover, these far from clear, mainly because largely calculated using potentially unrepresentative estimates instead direct measurements. Coverage stringency two major blind spots in global These findings suggest significant underexplored opportunities exist, unlocking them policymakers to identify consistent approach for accurate quantification emission sources alongside greater policy stringency. objective cannot be met without reducing man-made at least 40%–45% 2030 compared with 2020 levels according Global Methane Assessment.1UNEPGlobal Assessment: Benefits Costs Mitigating Emissions. UNEP - UN Environment Programme, 2021http://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-methane-assessment-benefits-and-costs-mitigating-methane-emissionsGoogle Scholar shows one most cost-effective strategies reduce rate warming, while also having positive impact air quality. need comprehensive targeted non-CO2 (e.g., addressing emissions) highlighted body literature combating climate change necessitates tackling short-term (<2050) long-term (>2050) warming.2Dreyfus G.B. Xu Y. Shindell D.T. Zaelke D. 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Contribution Working Group III Cambridge University Press, 2022Google Because underreporting official GHG lack publicly robust data, studies assessing limited and, times, offer diverging conclusions; whether lead decline emissions. data limits better design evaluation therefore explore state art lay foundation toward effective By examining carrying out further investigation explored polices, found that, despite political declarations nationally determined contributions [NDCs]), remains opportunity. Only ?13% (minimum [min.] 10%, maximum [max.] 17%) policies, reliance inaccurate barriers policy. quantification, coverage (e.g. measurable objectives enforcement) must put place realize opportunities. starting point analysis was identification relevant instruments creation database comprising 666 After initial screening, number reduced 281. Then, content force (n = 255) examined provide details: (1) aim (emission monitoring or mitigation), (2) instrument type subtype, (3) scope (type facility, part supply chain covered), comparison region country (supplemental information, points 1 2). define actions governments explicitly aiming monitor, prevent, Policies regulate material landfill regulations) included. On contrary, whose immediate land use change) analysis. GMP included its collective nature. Governments various tools (policy instruments) purse However, difference “policy” “policy instrument” subtle, those terms will interchangeably. taxonomies exist,18IEADriving Down Leaks Oil Gas Industry – Analysis.2021Google Scholar,19Mohlin Lackner Nguyen Wolfe Policy options oil sector.SSRN Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4136535Crossref study classifies categories: regulatory, economic, complementary (Table 1).Table 1Classification instrumentsInstrumentAgricultureWasteEnergyRegulatoryanimal utilization, inducing new technologies practices minimize agricultural residue settingsolid management regulations,landfill liquid settingflaring venting regulations, leak detection repair (LDAR) coalbed (CBM) ownership coal mine (CMM) capture, recovery, ventilation (VAM) facility abandonmentEconomicEmissions Trading System (ETS), offset credits, taxes charges, fiscal financial incentives, incentives price-regulated entitiesInformationmeasurement, reporting, (MRV), technical guidance, certification system, awareness-raising measuresComplementaryvoluntary programs, research development (R&D) subsidies, green public procurement Open table tab Through regulatory instruments, policymaker mandates adoption operational (prescriptive command-and-control regulation) specifies outcomes source-level facility-level standards), leaving choice compliance method operator (performance based based).18IEADriving performance-based level flexibility depends it introduces an obligation; per unit output input.20US EPAChapter 4: non-regulatory approaches pollution control.in: Guidelines Preparing Economic Analyses. 2010Google standard specifying usually flexible input mix output. clear distinction always possible combine prescriptive standards, imposing obligations component, operator, industry level. Hence, study, regulations categorized behavioral they targeting. common energy sector, especially regard flaring venting, exist. jurisdictions concentrate restricting volume situations when allowed introducing permits Texas Utah) restrictions/bans routine Colorado New Mexico), others promote associated gas; setting targets Russia). More recently, started provisions mandating operators fix leaks through regular programs US, Canada, Mexico). Some introduced operators’ relation abandonment Argentina Alberta) creating remediation Colorado’s Orphaned Well Program funded operators). adopted China mandate higher (CMM)/coalbed use; installation CMM drainage systems preferential treatment power generation projects. focus primarily landfills European Union [EU], Washington, British Columbia), requirements active closed Oregon). food affecting Europe Italy) parts Asia-Pacific; South Korea ban landfilling waste. rates animal (manure) utilization (South China) incentivize biogas/biomethane production Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, China). Regulations play role changing endorsing system intensification Vietnam), Indian government series burning. instruments—emission trading entities—incentivize private include abatement investment decisions.20US An ETS aggregate level, allowing polluters facing costs purchase allowances lower marginal costs.20US under seven domestic ETSs: operating subnational (California [US], Chongqing province [China], Quebec [Canada], Nova Scotia [Canada]) (New Zealand, Korea, Switzerland). Most industrial processes, Zealand sector. ETSs schemes transferrable (credits) representing given quantity metric ton) certified California’s Quebec’s cap-and-trade system). scheme constitute separate Reduction Fund Australia). Taxes charges specific payments every GHG, specifically, released atmosphere. When tax established, polluter weighs cost against emitting paying tax; result, likely implement cheaper tax. contrast ETSs, specify price polluting ensure particular emissions.21Gupta Tirpak D.A. Burger N. Gupta Höhne Boncheva A.I. Kanoan G.M. Kolstad Kruger J.A. Michaelowa al.Chapter 13: co-operative arrangements.in: 2007: Mitigation. Fourth 2007Google sector; 23 27 EU member states ranging 5–100 €/ton.22CEWEPOverview Landfill Restrictions. Confederation Waste-to-Energy Plants, 2021Google late 2022, proposed livestock nitrous oxide.23Corlett Nineteen after ‘fart Tax’, Zealand’s Farmers Are Fighting Guardian, encourage environmental grants loans, (royalty waivers deductions). For instance, government-backed loans broadly improved access credit financing key Brazilian Low-Carbon Agriculture Plan ABC (2010–2020) Adaptation Low CarbonEmission (ABC+) (2020–2030), promoting sustainable through, management.24MAPABrazilian Agricultural Carbon 2020-2030 Execuive Summary (Ministry Agriculture, Livestock, Food Supply).2022Google last subcategory economic consists entities designed groups network transmission distribution chain, where revenue subject regulators’ decision. Examples shrinkage incentive (with premiums exceeding lost leakage, own gas, theft gas) Environmental Incentive (EEI) below leakage targets, UK.25Le Fevre Emissions: From Blind Spot Spotlight. Oxford Institute Energy Studies, 2017https://doi.org/10.26889/9781784670887Crossref Information improve awareness among stakeholders, including companies, consumers, general public. information measurement, systems, measures. MRV transparent rules monitoring, results trends, allows tracking progress ensures credibility instruments. Dissemination guidance documents example aimed standards asymmetry companies. Technical sources, methodologies, practices; best Certification concerning footprint product, independently verified, consumers make informed decisions. examples supported developed cooperation institutions; Carbon-Neutral Beef launched Research Corporation (Embrapa) Marfrig differentiate meat export markets.26Lucchese-Cheung de Aguiar L.K. Lima L.C.d. Spers E.E. Quevedo-Silva Alves F.V. Giolo Almeida carbon neutral beef innovative product: consumption perspectives intentions’ framework.J. Prod. Market. 27: 384-398Crossref support solid India. Regulatory, complemented voluntary procurement. Voluntary take form agreements private-public programs. former result negotiations commit achievement goals. Dutch offshore producers pledged halve 2019–2020 (reductions 8,562 tons year 2017 4,281 end 2020) covenant signed Minister Affairs Policy.27Mach10Offshore Covenant 2019 (Machinery Advice Consultancy Hardeveld 2010).2021Google Another letter intent Norwegian organizations uptake total 5 million tonnes dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2eq) 2030.28Ministry EnvironmentNorway’s Comprehensive Action Plan.2021https://www.regjeringen.no/en/historical-archive/solbergs-government/Ministries/kld/news/2021/heilskapeleg-plan-for-a-na-klimamalet/id2827600/Google Public involve regulator firms may choose participate basis. cases, help regulators gain insights ahead implementation standards; regulation builds Partnership 2.0 (OGMP2.0) reporting standard. R&D funding detection, technologies, stimulating technology innovation markets technologies. dedicated set up administer programs; e.g. (Embrapa). important decision policymaking, should made formation how effectively implemented (putting practice) enforced (ensuring violators brought back via supportive punishing actions).29Hawke Policy: Implementation Enforcement.2017https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315188157Crossref enforcement well-designed broad constant commitment, institutional capacity, verification, commitment regulated follow rules, hampered factors, corruption. same depending leads unintended consequences. Before discussing issues, next section presents advancements 281 directly expected 1974 2024 were information). comprises international, (EU), national, levels. Almost half 138 49%) arising (coal, oil, gas), 42% 117) biogenic originating remaining 9% 26) cover 255 force; 26 terminated (10), revoked six finalized; regulation. 70% frequently revoked, accounting all repealed Ninety percent identified regions: North America (39%), (30%), Asia-Pacific (21%) (Figure 1). contrasts developments Central America, Africa, Middle East, Russia, Asia 10%. regions America), driven (US Canadian provinces), other (EU) prevail. Initiative Kyoto Protocol’s market-based Development Mechanism Joint international (CDM) diminished 2011.30Talkington Pilcher R.C. Ruiz F.A. Addressing mines.Carbon Manag. 2014; 5: 587-594https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2015.1058144Crossref necessary unlock Russia Asia, Asia-Pacific. globally (?80% vs. 20% share Europe),31Worden