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The UK will soon hand over the reins of the COP presidency to Egypt, but the events of recent weeks have done little to reassure the network about the government’s commitment to play a leading role in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
First, the announcement that COP President Alok Sharma would no longer be part of the cabinet, followed by an atrocious era in which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a radical change about his own participation in COP27. Jacob Rees-Mogg would possibly be absent from cabinet, however, the government’s climate apathy turned out to be here to stay.
The slogan “Keep 1. 5 Alive” was heard during COP26 and the following weeks. However, a recent United Nations report shows that, in fact, “there is no credible path to 1. 5°C” given the gap between promised emissions discounts and those needed to limit global temperature rise. While carbon dioxide is sometimes the maximum cited in those discussions (largely because it is the most common greenhouse fuel contributing to climate change), other greenhouse fuels have an even more difficult effect. on global warming. In particular, governments continue to overlook methane emissions throughout the economy.
Last year in Glasgow, the UK signed the Global Methane Commitment committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, but they have yet to announce a plan to meet that commitment. In addition, a new report through the Changing Markets Foundation has revealed that the European Union is falling into the fight against methane emissions. While the UK has performed well since 1990, adding under the last Labour government, we have not made significant progress in recent years. As the main old polluter, it is imperative – to have that the UK plays its part in reducing methane.
The International Energy Agency says 72% of fuel leaks can be eliminated with existing technologies, reducing methane in the UK by 9%.
From transitioning to renewable energy and insulating homes to switching to electric cars and restoring nature, the answers to reducing carbon dioxide emissions are widely known and only a matter of political will remains to implement them. But what about the answers to Decrease methane emissions?Fortunately, a new report from environmental think tank Green Alliance outlines how the UK can not only meet its methane obligations, but can make even more progress.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s catchy slogan for Britain’s priorities at COP26 was “cars, coal, money, trees, keeping warming at 1. 5 degrees”. But what about cows? Agriculture accounts for more than 58% of the total methane produced in the UK, and little progress has been made in recent decades. Green Marine urges the government to do more to help farmers reduce methane on their farms. It is advised to feed dairy cows manure administration and methane-reducing supplements, while encouraging others to adopt healthier nutrition with more culmination and select vegetables and proteins. Together, those moves would be enough to reduce the UK’s methane emissions by 15% by 2030, part of what is needed to meet our targets.
Households across the country are facing exorbitant energy expenditures, while the oil and fuel industry is making record profits. Meanwhile, the industry lazily wastes fuel on leaky pipes, which could help heat people’s homes. that the fuel industry is forced to plug those leaks. The International Energy Agency says 72% of those leaks can be eliminated with existing technologies, reducing methane in the UK by 9%.
While the threats of climate replacement are real, the responses offer hope for a happier and healthier society. Reducing methane emissions can promote the success of new businesses in select proteins and effective food additives. Switching to healthier diets would reduce our meat intake and lessen the pressure on our national fitness service. There are also opportunities for environmental benefits, as improved manure control on farms will lead to cleaner air and fewer pollutants in rivers through less use of synthetic fertilizers.
Fortunately, it turns out that the government is moving away from fracking. According to U. S. satellite data, fracking produces a 5% leak of its methane in fugitive emissions, making it worse than coal for global warming!
The Green Alliance report also explores how we in the UK can influence other countries to reduce their methane emissions. Achieving the goals of the Global Methane Commitment requires far-reaching global action, but any progress requires inspiring leadership. Can the UK step in and lead the way?
Geraint Davies, Member of Parliament, Swansea West Workers’ Co-operative
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