Opportunities Abound: Reducing Methane from Agriculture and Waste This Decade

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

The science is clear on both the urgency of addressing methane emissions and the sectoral opportunities to achieve rapid reductions. This panel explores the strategies for reducing methane from agriculture and waste and considers what more is needed to push deep declines this decade that can deliver benefits to the climate and communities.

The U.S. Permian Climate Bomb

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Panel discussion featuring Sharon Wilson, Senior Field Advocate, Earthworks

Turning Pledges into Action

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Methane has arrived on the world’s stage. Now that 30 plus nations have committed to a collective effort to cut methane emissions 30% by 2030, attention turns to what individual countries will do to dig in and do their part. Leading policy experts discuss the accomplishment of the Global Methane Pledge and discuss what’s next for countries as they start to take concrete actions to deliver tangible reductions ahead of COP27.

The State of Global Methane Emissions

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

The International Methane Observatory (IMEO) is a data-driven, action-focused UNEP initiative to enable and catalyse targeted and ambitious actions to reduce human-made emissions of methane, starting with the energy sector.

IMEO takes an innovative approach to address the methane emissions problem and create a global public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions by collecting, integrating, and reconciling data from different sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, national inventories and rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP2.0).

IMEO's first annual report “An Eye on Methane” presents a pathway to achieve deep reduction of methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector that can contribute to closing the emissions gap and reduce warming in the short term. To do this, we need a strong basis for action grounded on improved emissions data. IMEO will act as an independent and trusted entity to integrate data and track progress against commitments.

The Chair of IMEO’s Scientific Oversight Committee, Dr. Steven Hamburg, details these findings and IMEO’s revolutionary approach to combining data and targeted action to address methane emissions.

In conversation with Ryan Panchadsaram, co-author of Speed & Scale

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A new book presentation and discussion on how pledge countries can employ transparent OKR frameworks to meet methane commitments, hosted by Mark Brownstein, Senior Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund.

In conversation with California Commissioner Ricardo Lara

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A discussion of Commissioner Lara’s work establishing California’s 2030 methane targets, the importance of super pollutant emissions reductions to our climate goals, and how his work with international leaders informs his climate agenda.

Global Philanthropy: Catalyzing Methane Emissions Reduction for a More Equitable, Sustainable Future

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Reducing methane emissions quickly is among the most effective steps we can take right now to address these challenges and slow global warming. That is why more than 20 philanthropic organizations from across the globe have committed more than $223 million to build on action to reduce methane emissions globally, and to support the Global Methane Pledge, a commitment made by more than 30 nations to reduce their methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 and limit warming to 0.2℃ by 2050. Panelists will discuss: The role that global philanthropy is playing in addressing the urgency of methane emission reduction – and the impacts of climate change writ large; Why philanthropic funding, in coordination with nation- and private-sector led ambition, can drive positive outcomes in regions that contribute the least to climate change, but are the most impacted by its effects; What swift philanthropic action can do to accelerate the pace and scale of science-based, solutions-driven emissions reduction initiatives.

Tracking Methane Progress Through the International Methane Emissions Observatory

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

As countries and companies, including the signatories of the Global Methane Pledge, commit to reducing their methane emissions, verifying and tracking their progress is becoming increasingly important. Using a revolutionary data approach, IMEO will create a public dataset of empirically verified methane emissions that will support this effort and help catalyze deep reductions in methane emissions globally.

ASEA: Regulating Methane

Virtual Event

The regulator at a national level, Agency for Safety of Energy and Environment (ASEA) will explain in detail how the regulations to reduce methane emissions have been designed to reduce pollution in the Mexican oil and gas industry.

How to Slow Down Climate Change: Cut Methane

Virtual Event

Cutting carbon dioxide has been the mainstream focus of combating climate change, but its benefits are largely in protecting future generations, with limited benefits to the countless people worldwide who are suffering from climate change right now. But a rapid, full-scale effort to cut methane emissions with existing technologies can immediately slow down the rate of global warming – in fact by as much as 30% by midcentury! Upcoming technologies like MethaneSAT, a cutting-edge methane emissions tracking satellite in development right now , will help detect and measure methane emissions globally, with unprecedented precision, and therefore accelerate emissions reductions. Ilissa Ocko, Senior Climate Scientist and the Barbra Streisand Chair of Environmental Studies at the Environmental Defense Fund, will discuss her research about the impact of methane on climate change and how we can slash emissions from energy, waste, and agriculture, even as work continues to reduce carbon dioxide. Britt Groosman is Vice President of Climate-Smart Agriculture at Environmental Defense Fund where she leads development of environmentally and economically sound solutions for the global agriculture sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience.

Methane Hunting in Europe

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

In 2021, James has documented methane emissions from oil and gas facilities in 12 European countries, shattering the perception that methane was a problem consigned to big oil & gas producing countries like Russia and the USA.

Tools for Implementation

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

The readily available proven methodologies and frameworks to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector will be showcased. Governments can make use of them to bring down emissions in their countries.

Meeting the Methane Moment With Equity Through the U.S. Justice 40 Initiative

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Energy, agriculture and waste have been identified as key sectors for global methane reduction while leaders, investors and scientist are teeming with ideas on how to get it done. Can we also use this energy and commitment as an opportunity to also improve the health and economic circumstances among vulnerable populations? Join EDF for an engaging conversation with US Environmental Justice experts and White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council members on how the Justice 40 program can be the vehicle to reduce Methane and provide an example of implementing environmental justice in frontline communities.

Oil and Gas Exports: A Growing Methane Threat

Methane Moment Pavillion at COP26 , United States

Note: Rescheduled from 2pm Christa Mancias, Carrizo-Comecrudo Tribe of Texas; John Beard, Sr., Port Arthur...

How Ghana Envisions Fulfilling the Global Methane Pledge

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

The Environmental Protection Agency will share its thoughts on the challenges they envision in reducing methane emissions and how their international collaboration can support these efforts.

The Imperative to Reduce Methane Now

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Introduction: Nathan Borgdorf-Parnell Science Affairs Coordinator, Climate & Clean Air Coalition Speaker: Drew Shindell Nicholas...

Subnational Governments and the Global Methane Pledge

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A panel discussion amongst subnational leaders on how they’re addressing methane from the oil & gas and agriculture sectors, how methane fits into their overall GHG reduction strategies, and how subnational governments can play a significant role in supporting the Global Methane Pledge.

In conversation with Tero Mustonen, Snowchange

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A discussion on the impacts of methane emissions on indigenous communities in the Arctic Region, hosted by Jorge Daniel Taillant, Executive Director, Center for Human Rights and Environment, Climate Justice Policy Advisor, Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development

In conversation with Barbara Glowacka, DG ENER, European Commission

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A discussion on the European Union’s priorities to effectively address global methane emissions as well as policy tools and mitigation measures to achieve quick reductions in the Commission’s upcoming legislative proposal at the end of 2021. Interview hosted by Dagmar Droogsma, AVP European Strategy & Engagement of Environmental Defense Fund Europe.

Reporting on Methane

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

After years on the back burner, methane is having a moment. World governments are committing to the Global Methane Pledge, countries are enacting methane standards, and global scientific bodies are sounding the alarm bell on the need to cut methane emissions rapidly. Hear from leading reporters on the methane beat about their work reporting on methane, and what they've seen at COP26 so far.

What should be done to make clean air funding commensurate to the global challenge?

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

A presentation and discussion on how to narrow gaps for air quality funding to achieve health and climate goals, how aid resources could be better aligned with priorities, examples of activities currently funded (particularly with respect to methane and black carbon), and next steps to scale-up investments. programs and policy reforms.

Regional priorities on clean air action for health and climate

Methane Pavilion (Hall 5, PV 90)

Clean air and climate priorities in regions around the world to achieve climate and health benefits, in addition to opportunities for supporting the private sector to reduce short- lived climate pollutants like methane.

Linking policy and science through satellites

Science for Climate Action Pavilion

This panel will allow a dialogue between policymakers and those at the frontlines of satellite measurements to explore how these observations can result in the much-needed methane mitigation we require this decade.

Co-learning for Climate Action: University-led Collaborative Research Partnerships to Support Equitable Science

China Pavilion

Universities are building meaningful partnerships with communities, governments and civil society to support co-learning and the development of integrated climate solutions that are just and sustainable. This event will bring together leadership from various university-housed centers to share about their collaborative research partnerships and the impactful results of these joint efforts.

Ikea Foundation Announcement

We Mean Business Pavilion

Industry leaders discuss why global corporations must be part of methane mitigation efforts

Livestock transitions: Global options and local realities

Food and Agriculture Pavilion

We must reduce livestock emissions to achieve the 1.5°C goal, but actions must be tailored to local production systems and recognize trade-offs. This event will use examples from Brazil and Kenya to show how mitigation and adaptation can be prioritized depending on context.

Release of new Hispanic Access Foundation report: 10 Ways Access to Nature Can Bolster Biodiversity, Communities, & Climate

Room B, The Nature Zone Pavilion Delegations area, Zone C, the Blue Zone

This paper shows that access to nature is a powerful lens through which to enact biodiversity, climate, and equity gains, through a variety of potential investments in nature conservation and restoration - including in the most urbanized and degraded locations.

Fast-Action Mitigation to Slow Warming this Decisive Decade

U.S. Pavilion

This event focuses on the science-backed solutions and strategies for cutting non-CO2 greenhouse gases that can get us around the curve toward the net-zero finish line while improving air quality and ensuring the health of humans and the planet.

Agriculture Methane discussion

Science for Climate Action Pavilion

Description coming soon. Participants Global Methane Hub

U.S. Leadership to Mitigate Methane Emissions

Zero Carbon Future Pavilion

This session will highlight the importance of methane emissions reductions in the Inflation Reduction Act, and will delve into the impact of MERP and other policy tools that have been put in place by the U.S. to reduce methane emissions.

Advancing sectoral action to implement the Global Methane Pledge (GMP)

Sultan Gardens Hotel Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt

In order to support implementation of the Global Methane Pledge this interactive workshop sharing and further developing technical and financial solutions and best practices.

Jump-Starting Methane Finance to Realize the Global Methane Pledge

Zero Carbon Future Pavilion

Panel discussion with experts from around the world to take stock of the Pledge’s success in mobilizing action on methane while identifying opportunities for financial institutions to increase funding opportunities and invest in cross-cutting capacity to accelerate action now.

Integrity and Compliance in Agricultural Production Chains

Brazil Hub

Presentation and discussion on innovative production models, reconciling productive areas with conservation areas, the programmatic structure necessary to establish favorable conditions to achieve the development of low emissions in the Amazon.

Accelerating Climate Philanthropy

Science for Climate Action Pavilion

While climate-focused philanthropy is clearly an important tool for driving climate action, unfortunately, it is not close to reaching its potential. As one recent report put it, there is “much alarm, but not a lot of action” in the climate philanthropy space. Indeed, globally, climate philanthropy represents no more than two percent of global philanthropy, and while growing, is not accelerating fast enough. And the issue is not just about quantity – its also about quality. Climate funders are themselves unclear about their impact, and many critics are concerned that funding efforts often fail to include the frontline communities most impacted by climate and environmental damage.

Energy Panel

Science for Climate Action Pavilion

Description coming soon.