Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas responsible for more than one-quarter of climate warming. The energy sector is one of the largest sources of emissions whilst at the same time having the greatest potential for cost-effective emissions reduction. We have enough information to act towards reducing emissions, with better data being the key to targeted and cost-effective action in line with the Paris Agreement.
To better understand and harness methane emissions data and drive significant reductions of emissions, the UN Environment Programme launched the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). The IMEO has been integrating and reconciling methane data from different sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories.
Dr. Steven Hamburg, Chair of IMEO’s Scientific Oversight Committee, will present recent scientific updates on methane emissions and their implications for methane mitigation followed by a discussion with EU policy-makers and key stakeholders on how to take emissions reductions further in light of forthcoming EU legislation.
A light lunch will be provided from 12:00 onwards.
AGENDA (90 minute)
Introduction and welcome
- Milan Elkerbout, Research Fellow, CEPS
Opening remarks: Key updates on methane science around the world (15-20 minutes)
- Steven Hamburg, Chief Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), US and Chair of UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) Scientific Oversight Committee
Comments by (5-7 minutes each):
- Manfredi Caltagirone, Head of UNEP International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)
- Brendan Devlin, Adviser for Strategy & Foresight at DG Energy, European Commission
- Sonna Sathiamoorthy (Muhunthan Sathiamoorthy), Methane Program Manager & SME, BP
Discussion (approx. 40 minutes)
Moderator:
- Andris Piebalgs, Senior Research Fellow, Florence School of Regulation (FSR), European University Institute; Former Commissioner for Energy and former Commissioner for Development
