Is it feasible to expect real change?
At the Conference of Parties in Glasgow in November 2021, the Methane Reduction Pledge (MRP) was signed by 112 countries. Pledging to reduce methane (CH4 emissions 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. (https://www.ccacoalition.org/en/resources/global-methane-pledge) This is significant reduction in CH4 across all industrial sectors marks an important milestone in the global effort to mitigate warming from greenhouse gases (GHG). Introduced jointly by the USA and the European Union, the MRP, if successful has the potential to provide a reduction in forecasted warming by roughly 0.2° C. A significant reduction if the Paris Climate Accords goal of 2° C warming by 2100 is to be achieved.
As nations have done well to sign on to the Paris Climate Accords and the Methane Reduction Pledge, it is their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their individual methane emissions that must now be compared to determine the feasibility of a 30% CH4 emission reduction. If 30% is a reasonable commitment to be made, can those emission reductions be achieved in a specific sector, such as agriculture?
Results indicate that a significant financial dedication will be necessary within the agricultural sector if 30% CH4 emission reduction is to be met globally. While ‘taking’ the pledge to reduce CH4 emissions is a worthwhile step, action is the only reasonable expectation if reduction is desired. Action in emissions reduction requires funding from both the private sector as well as the pledging nations individual governments.