As the world grapples with the urgent need for robust climate action, Canada has unveiled a significant step towards reducing methane emissions from its oil and gas sector. This latest initiative, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy practices, sets a pathway to achieve a monumental 75 percent reduction in emissions by 2035, compared to 2014 levels. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions Canada as a proactive participant in the global fight against climate change.
Canada has announced new regulations that are expected to significantly reduce methane emissions from the country’s oil and gas sector. The newly unveiled rules represent a crucial stride towards a more sustainable future, aiming to cut overall methane emissions by 75 percent from 2014 levels by 2035. These regulations, revealed on Tuesday, align with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s promise to bolster Canada’s existing methane standards, providing a longer timeline than previously proposed rules under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau’s earlier regulations aimed for a 75 percent reduction by 2030, but they encountered resistance from the oil and gas industry, which deemed the targets impractical. Although methane does not linger as long in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, it has a climate-warming potential that is approximately 80 times greater than CO2 over a 20-year period. As Canada stands as the fourth-largest oil producer globally, it is imperative to address the sector’s contribution to methane emissions, which are estimated to account for about half of the country’s total emissions of this potent greenhouse gas.
Under the new regulations, set to take effect in 2028, venting of methane will be prohibited, allowing for a few exceptions, and an inspection schedule will be established to ensure companies identify and repair equipment leaks. Operators will have the flexibility to develop their own solutions for controlling methane emissions as long as they comply with the specified intensity thresholds.
Despite Canada’s commitment to curbing greenhouse gas emissions, total emissions from the oil and gas sector have continued to rise in conjunction with production increases, and the country is projected to miss its target of achieving a 40 to 45 percent reduction in greenhouse gas output below 2005 levels by 2030. Critics have pointed out that Carney has rolled back some emissions policies to stimulate energy investment, prompting concern among environmental advocates about a perceived prioritization of economic growth over climate goals.
Nevertheless, Canada has made commendable progress concerning methane management. Existing regulations have mandated regular inspections and repair of equipment to minimize leaks, putting the country on course to fulfill its previous commitment to a 40 to 45 percent reduction in methane emissions below 2012 levels by the end of 2025. The Canadian government projects that the new regulations could result in a reduction of 304 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent while imposing only a slight decrease of 0.2 percent in oil and gas production between 2025 and 2035.
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