Methane is a greenhouse gas that is a huge contributor to the current global warming we are experiencing. Seeing that human made sources account for over 60% of methane emissions and observing the negative effects of increased methane emissions, steps are required to control methane emissions. It is difficult reversing the effects of methane, but it is possible to control the amount that gets released.. The goal is to reduce methane emissions.
An international treaty called the Kyoto Protocol was made in 1992 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This treaty binded a total of 192 countries to commit State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Efforts on a global scale have been made in decreasing methane emissions.
An international treaty called the Kyoto Protocol was made in 1992 with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This treaty binded a total of 192 countries to commit State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Efforts on a global scale have been made in decreasing methane emissions.
U.S. EFFORTS IN METHANE REDUCTION THROUGH EPA
In the U.S., the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, has set up a U.S. Inventory Report that provides the latest descriptions and emissions associated with each source category and is part of the United States' official submittal to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The U.S. inventory report also describes the procedures used to quantify national emissions, as well as a description of trends in emissions since 1990. The EPA has performed many studies and has established many programs in trying to reduce methane emissions.
In the U.S., the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, has set up a U.S. Inventory Report that provides the latest descriptions and emissions associated with each source category and is part of the United States' official submittal to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The U.S. inventory report also describes the procedures used to quantify national emissions, as well as a description of trends in emissions since 1990. The EPA has performed many studies and has established many programs in trying to reduce methane emissions.
- EPA has also established a voluntary program to reduce methane emissions in the natural gas industry. This program, known as the Natural Gas STAR Program (Gas STAR) is a voluntary partnership between EPA and the natural gas and oil industries to reduce emissions of methane from the production, transmission, and distribution of natural gas.
- EPA has also established a voluntary program to reduce methane emissions in the coal mining industry. This program is known as the Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) that helps the coal industry identify the technologies, markets, and finance sources to profitably use or sell the methane that coal mines would otherwise vent to the atmosphere.
- EPA has studied options for reducing methane emissions from enteric fermentation and has developed resources and tools to assist in estimating emissions and evaluating mitigation options.
- EPA has also established a voluntary program to reduce methane emissions in the livestock industry. This program, known as the AgSTAR Program, encourages adoption of anaerobic digestion technologies that recover and combust biogas (methane) for odor control or as an on-farm energy resource.
- EPA has also established a voluntary program to reduce methane emissions from landfills. This program, known as the Landfill Methane Outreach Program(LMOP), works with companies, utilities, and communities to encourage the use of landfill gas for energy.
WAYS TO REDUCE METHANE EMISSIONS
We can decrease our anthropogenic impacts by limiting our methane emissions. Policies and programs are implemented in attempt to reduce methane emissions, These policies include limits to industries and requirements for them to report their methane emissions. These requirements make people more aware of their methane emissions and causes them to be more careful and considerate in the amount of methane they release.
Upgrading the equipment used to produce, store, and transport oil and gas can reduce many of the leaks that contribute to methane emissions. Methane from coal mines can also be captured and used for energy. Methane can also be reduced and captured by altering manure management strategies at livestock operations or animal feeding practices. Because methane emissions from landfill gas are a major source of methane emissions in the United States, emission controls that capture landfill methane are an effective reduction strategy.
Further studies and experiments are being made worldwide in an attempt to continue reducing methane emissions.
We can decrease our anthropogenic impacts by limiting our methane emissions. Policies and programs are implemented in attempt to reduce methane emissions, These policies include limits to industries and requirements for them to report their methane emissions. These requirements make people more aware of their methane emissions and causes them to be more careful and considerate in the amount of methane they release.
Upgrading the equipment used to produce, store, and transport oil and gas can reduce many of the leaks that contribute to methane emissions. Methane from coal mines can also be captured and used for energy. Methane can also be reduced and captured by altering manure management strategies at livestock operations or animal feeding practices. Because methane emissions from landfill gas are a major source of methane emissions in the United States, emission controls that capture landfill methane are an effective reduction strategy.
Further studies and experiments are being made worldwide in an attempt to continue reducing methane emissions.
Methane is a driver to the greenhouse effect. In turn, it is a huge contributor to global warming. It stays in the atmosphere for quite a while and the efforts to reverse its effects are difficult. Therefore these efforts in reducing methane emissions are crucial in trying to maintain a steady climate. Maintaining a stable climate is vital for people, our society, ecosystems and the environment as a whole to persist and continue. The future of our world depends on the present of what we do now. That is why recognizing methane and trying to reduce it is important..