Communication on an EU strategy to reduce methane emissions

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 14 October 2020, setting out a strategy for the reduction of methane emissions in the European Union (EU).

Further information:

The Impact Assessment for the EU's 2030 Climate Target Plan concluded that stepping up the level of ambition for reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions to at least 55% by 2030 would require an accelerated effort to tackle methane emissions.

This strategy sets out measures to cut methane emissions in Europe and internationally. It presents legislative and non-legislative actions in the energy, agriculture and waste sectors, which account for around 95% of methane emissions associated with human activity worldwide. The Commission is also set to work with the EU's international partners and with industry to achieve emission reductions along the supply chain.

Official

European Commission: Methane emissions https://ec.europa.eu/energy/topics/oil-gas-and-coal/methane-emissions_en

European Commission: Press Release, 14/10/2020: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Commission adopts EU Methane Strategy as part of European Green Deal https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1833

European Commission: Questions and answers: An EU Methane Strategy (14 October 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_20_1834

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News

Reuters, 14/10/2020: EU considers binding methane emissions standards for gas https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN26Z1G0

AP News, 14/10/2020: EU to tackle methane gases, boost energy efficiency https://apnews.com/article/45767d1641682ee85f95a66a8fe0bc27

EurActiv, 14/10/2020: EU Commission paves way for regulating methane emissions in 2021 https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/eu-commission-paves-way-for-regulating-methane-emissions-in-2021/

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Commentary and Analysis

Euronews: View, 10/01/2020: The EU can’t claim credibility on climate action without tackling methane gas emissions https://www.euronews.com/2020/01/10/the-eu-can-t-claim-credibility-on-climate-action-without-tackling-methane-emissions-view

EEB: Position, 29/07/2020: A EU methane strategy to reduce emissions from agriculture https://eeb.org/library/a-eu-methane-strategy-to-reduce-emissions-from-agriculture/

Deutsche Welle, 14/10/2020: Does the EU's methane strategy go far enough? https://p.dw.com/p/3juHY

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