U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishments. Fourth Annual Report

摘要

Climate change is a serious environmental challenge that requires a global response. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), second only to carbon dioxide in its contribution to climate change. It is of particular strategic importance given its atmospheric properties and the suite of currently available, cost-effective reduction options (see box on page 5). As such, focusing mitigation efforts on methane can yield near-term climate impacts along with major economic, air quality, and energy benefits. The United States and 13 other countries formed the Methane to Markets Partnership in 2004. The goal of the Partnership is to help reduce methane emissions quickly and cost-effectively through a collaborative, multilateral framework that unites public and private interests to fight climate change by advancing the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source. By engaging public and private sector parties, Methane to Markets brings together the technical and market expertise, financing, and technology necessary for methane capture and use project development.