China and the United States are set to cooperate on the issue of methane emissions, with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry visiting Beijing this week to discuss climate-warming emissions. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming, responsible for approximately 30% of the phenomenon. Kerry highlighted the importance of methane cooperation during a congressional hearing in Washington, referring to China’s commitment to a methane action plan made during previous talks in Glasgow and Sharm el-Sheikh. China’s top climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, attended a meeting of the Global Methane Partnership during the COP27 climate talks in Egypt last year, where he announced that China had drafted a plan to curb methane emissions. However, the plan has not yet been made public. The United States hopes that China will unveil the plan before the next U.N. climate conference in December. Experts believe that addressing methane emissions could provide a way forward for cooperation between the two countries. China aims to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2060, but it has yet to set targets for methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases. The Biden administration in the U.S. has proposed measures to crack down on methane pollution, including imposing fees on methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and implementing a “super emitter” program. China’s ability to control methane emissions is currently considered weak, but reforms in its industrial and agriculture sectors could lead to significant reductions. Two major sources of methane emissions growth in China are livestock and rice production, which are not included in the country’s climate plans. The agriculture ministry has recommended new farming practices to address methane emissions. China’s coal sector is also a significant challenge, as it is the world’s largest source of methane from coal mines. While China has been capturing some of the gas for use in its energy sector, more needs to be done to have a global impact. The coal-producing province of Shanxi has announced plans to raise coalbed methane use rates to 50% by 2025, but many mines are in remote locations without the necessary infrastructure to collect methane. Experts hope that China will address coal mine emissions in its methane action plan. One area of immediate potential for China-U.S. cooperation is in measuring methane, with Chinese firms already working with the Clean Air Task Force in Boston on accounting for emissions. Overall, cooperation between China and the United States on methane emissions could be a significant step in curbing global warming and achieving climate goals.
What are the potential benefits of China and the United States collaborating on addressing methane emissions?
China and the United States are set to collaborate on addressing methane emissions, as US climate envoy John Kerry plans to visit Beijing this week for talks on climate-warming emissions. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming, accounting for around 30% of the phenomenon. During a congressional hearing in Washington, Kerry emphasized the importance of methane cooperation, referencing China’s commitment to a methane action plan made during previous discussions in Glasgow and Sharm el-Sheikh. China’s top climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, participated in a meeting of the Global Methane Partnership at the COP27 climate talks in Egypt last year, where he announced that China had formulated a plan to curb methane emissions. However, the details of the plan have not yet been disclosed to the public. The United States is hopeful that China will unveil the plan before the next U.N. climate conference in December. Experts believe that joint efforts to address methane emissions are crucial in combating climate change.
This is a promising development in the fight against climate change as China and the US collaborating on methane emissions signals a commitment towards global climate progress. Working together, these two influential nations can set an example and pave the way for more coordinated efforts in tackling environmental challenges.