California announced the launch of a new climate initiative this week, pledging to reduce methane emissions and encouraging local governments, such as municipalities and provinces, to join in.
“The climate crisis knows no borders. We’re partnering with governments around the world to tackle methane emissions, a dangerous pollutant that has 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide,” Mr. Newsom said. “By working together on strategies informed by science, like deploying methane detection satellites, we can help address this global threat.”
So far, seven jurisdictions globally have signed on including Queretaro, Mexico; Yucatan, Mexico; Gauteng, South Africa; Espirito Santo, Brazil; Cross River State Nigeria; and Delhi, India.
California has previously set goals to reduce greenhouse gasses such as methane.
Passed in Sept. 2016, Senate Bill 1383, authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Commerce), set a goal to reduce methane emissions by 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030.
According to the press release, methane reduction can help reduce climate change in the short term since methane breaks down within 10 years, and such reductions could help limit warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius, “the amount that scientists estimate would avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”
“In California, we know that jurisdictions have an opportunity to lead climate action, and reducing harmful emissions, such as those from methane, is work that all levels of government can play a role in,” said air resource board Chair Liane Randolph in the same press release. “Through this partnership, we are making it clear that progress on big issues–like air quality and climate change–is only possible if we take committed action collectively to leave a healthier planet for future generations.”
The UC Berkeley Center for Law, Energy, and Environment—which advises on policies for environmental and energy challenges—will work with the new initiative members and state agencies to “create action plans, track progress, organize regular peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and share best practices,” according to the press release.
In an international pledge between the U.S. and the European Union, through the Global Methane Pledge of 2021, over 150 countries globally have agreed to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030.
Air resource board officials said more efforts from subnational or local jurisdictions, such as California, can help reach the global goal, with most of such emissions coming from agriculture, energy, and landfills, which can best be handled on a local level.
