Methane: A Crucial Opportunity in the Climate Fight

Methane emissions account for roughly 25 percent of current global warming, and contribute to climate-related threats including more intense and frequent heat waves and flooding, food insecurity, and poor air quality. According to Malaysia’s third biennial update report to the United Nations, methane emissions contributed 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, with its major source being fugitive emissions from the oil and gas industry. Where does Malaysia’s biggest opportunities for tackling methane emissions lie in, and why is it crucial to reduce these emissions? We discuss this and more with Dr Shareen Yawanarajah (Director, Global Energy Transition, Environmental Defense Fund), Dr Stefan Schwietzke (International Senior Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund) and Dr Helena Varkkey (Project Lead, "COP26 Global Climate Pledges: Promoting Transparency, Public Engagement and Progress on Methane Emissions in Malaysia").

Image Credit: Shutterstock