Global Methane Pledge

The US and the EU made a joint pledge on Friday to cut global methane emissions by almost a third in the next decade.

Context

The US and the EU made a joint pledge on Friday to cut global methane emissions by almost a third in the next decade.

Key-highlights of the Pact

• The pact between the US and the EU sets a target of cutting at least 30% from global methane emissions, based on 2020 levels, by 2030.
• If adopted around the world, this would reduce global heating by 0.2C by the 2040s, compared with likely temperature rises by then.
• The world is now about 1.2C hotter now than in pre-industrial times.

Steps taken by India to reduce emissions

• India has announced a renewable energy capacity goal of 450 GW by 2030.
• Indian Railways has committed to achieving ‘net zero’ emissions by that year.
• However, India as a whole has not committed to a time frame for reaching that target.
• Some 130 countries are considering a net zero emissions target by 2050. 

About Methane

• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.
• It is about 80 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
• Natural gas production and fracking, meat production and other forms of agriculture are among the chief sources.