UNEP Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The UNEP Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates seeks to provide policy makers, the general public and the media with a synthesis of aspects of natural, social and applied sciences that relate to this type of natural gas occurrence. With an emphasis on visual media, the Outlook is working to define global methane gas hydrate occurrences in their natural settings and examine the implications on communities and society of the potential use of methane gas hydrates as an energy source. During the time period covered by the current report, the UNEP Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates has achieved two major milestones, the first being the development of an initial content draft (draft 0) for each chapter of the assessment. This milestone was achieved as a result of a second meeting of the project Steering Committee (see Appendix I for full meeting report) held in Tokyo, Japan November 18 and 19, 2010. The second major milestone involved the completion of first chapter drafts (draft 1) for most chapters. These drafts will subsequently be internally reviewed by the steering committee and then sent for external peer review. These two milestones are clear indicators of the progress of the work to date. They are a combination of organizational, content, technical and outreach achievements consistent with the elements outlined as they key project goals. DISCUSSION Methodology The Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates to be produced by bringing together leading international experts from academia, business, governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations selected from throughout the world. Guided by a Steering Committee of scientific and technical experts the Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates will provide unbiased, credible and science based information. Where consensus in the expert community is unclear, debates and uncertainties will be highlighted and needs for new and/or continued research identified. The drafting of the report involves teams of experts according to the key themes to be addressed. Each chapter will be subject to peer review, which will inform and broaden the editorial process. As a follow up to the Outlook, discussion, consultations and bi-and multilateral outreach initiatives will serve to disseminate the content, encourage dialogue and assist in incorporating key perspectives into policy development. 3 Thematic Outline As discussed an agreed upon by the project Steering Committee, the UNEP Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates will be divided into two volumes and expand on key themes deemed of …