Methane
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Global Methane Initiative
This international Partnership reduces global methane emissions, with a focus on cost-effective, near-term methane recovery from four major methane sources: landfills, underground coal mines, natural gas and oil systems, and animal waste management.
The EPA Global Methane Initiative Site describes U.S. activities in support of the international program.
A separate, independent Global Methane Initiative website  provides comprehensive information on the initiative including upcoming meetings, events, important documents and country information. |
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Methane is one of several non-CO2 gases
that contribute to global climate change. To learn more
about these gases and what EPA is doing to reduce their
impact, visit our Non-CO2 Gases page. |
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Methane (CH
4) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere
for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more
effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide
(CO
2)
over a 100-year period and is emitted from a variety of natural
and human-influenced sources. Human-influenced sources include
landfills, natural gas and petroleum
systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and
mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial
process.
Methane is also a primary constituent of natural gas and an important
energy source. As a result, efforts to prevent or utilize methane
emissions can provide significant energy, economic and environmental
benefits. In the United States, many companies are working
with EPA in voluntary efforts to reduce emissions
by implementing cost-effective management methods and technologies.
The following links provide more information on methane and EPA's related activities:
- Science:
Find out more about methane's role as a greenhouse gas.
- Sources and Emissions:
Find out more about the sources of methane and current emission
levels.
- Projections and Mitigation Costs:
Find projections of future methane emissions and the costs associated with reducing those emissions.
- Voluntary Programs:
Learn more about EPA's
voluntary programs to reduce methane emissions.
- Other Non-CO2 Gases:
Learn more about the science, emissions, and reduction opportunities
for other non-CO2 greenhouse gases.
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