Methane-to-Markets Partnership

The European Commission joined the Methane to Markets Partnership in September 2007, and formalised its involvement in the Partnership on 4 March 2008 upon signing the terms of reference document. The Commission views the Partnership as another way to aid the European Union in meeting its goal of limiting global warming to no mare than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Launched by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 2004, the Methane to Markets Partnership is an international initiative to advance cost-effective, near-term reductions of methane emissions. Signatory nations will collaborate with other governments and the private sector to reduce global methane emissions and enhance economic growth, promote energy security, and improve the environment. Other Partnership aims include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality. The Partnership initially targets three major methane sources: landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems. The Partnership seeks to reduce aggregate annual methane emissions by 50 MtCO2 equivalent by 2015. The European Commission is active in the Partnerships Steering Committee, the Coal Technical Subcommittee and the Oil and Gas Technical Subcommittee.

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