US, EU and others pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use
The US, the EU, Japan, Canada, Norway, Singapore and the UK have signed a declaration to curb greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels, the signatories said on November 11.
"We commit to taking immediate action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil energy production and consumption, particularly to reduce methane emissions," they said in a joint statement. "We emphasise that reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from the fossil energy sector enhances energy security by reducing avoidable routine flaring, venting, and leakage that wastes natural gas."
The signatories called on all fossil fuel imports to tackle methane emissions connected with the energy they consume, and on fossil fuel producers to likewise cut emissions from their operations. Global action is needed on methane emissions to reduce warming by 0.1OC by the middle of the century, they said, in line with findings from the International Energy Agency (IEA). They also urged action under the Global Methane Pledge, aimed at cutting methane emissions by 30% by 2030 versus 2020 levels.
The group made a series of policy recommendations, including policies to eliminate routing venting and flaring and conduct regular leak detection and repair campaigns across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. Measures are also needed to incentivise cuts in greenhouse gas emissions relating to fossil fuel imports, they said.