Online Event: How cutting methane emissions quickly can slow global warming

28 September 2021, 13:00 – 15:00 CEST

Hosted by MEP Maria Spyraki

Co-Chair of the European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development‘

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This event serves as an opportunity to bridge the latest climate science, possible solutions and the importance of a global perspective on methane. As presented in EDF’s latest scientific study “Cutting Methane Emissions Quickly Could Slow Climate Warming Rate by 30%”, rapid and full-scale efforts to reduce methane emissions at the international level are crucial to reach climate neutrality by mid-century. The results of the study highlight the critical importance of addressing methane mitigation to hit the brakes on the increasingly climate warming and analyzing the climate benefits of fast action to reduce methane emissions. In fact, ensuring the rapid implementation of mitigation measures could slow the global-mean rate of global warming of around 30%, and set ourselves on path to avoid more than half a degree centigrade by end of century. Therefore, the event will focus on the key EU policies and latest technologies on methane emission reduction as well as providing an overview of global action, the role of multilateral agreements and energy diplomacy on methane. The panel discussions will also reflect on the crucial role the EU can play in triggering global action on methane emissions reduction ahead of the upcoming COP26 taking place in Glasgow end of October 2021. On this occasion, countries’ representatives from all around the world will come together to bring forward ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by 2050, as set by the Paris Agreement.

This event is the fourth webinar organized by the European Parliament Intergroup on “Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), on the issue of methane emissions in the European and international context. The previous three events focused on methane market-based measures, on addressing methane emissions via the Energy System Integration & Hydrogen Strategies, and on oil & gas industries towards reaching the Paris Agreement targets.

FINAL AGENDA

13:00 – 13:10    Welcome remarks by MEP Maria Spyraki (EPP), Rapporteur on the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions

13:10 – 13:25  Presentation of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) “Cutting Methane Emissions Quickly Could Slow Climate Warming Rate by 30%” study by Dr. Ilissa Ocko, Senior Climate Scientist, Barbra Streisand Chair of Environmental Studies, EDF

13:25 – 13:50  Panel 1 – “The EU policy toolbox and how to leverage the latest technologies”

• Kitti Nyitrai, Head of Unit C2 on ‘Decarbonization and sustainability of energy sources’, DG ENER, European Commission
• Gunārs Ansiņš (LV/RE), Major of Liepaja City and Rapporteur on the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions, Committee of the Regions (CoR)
• Alessia Virone, Government Affairs Manager, Clean Air Task Force (CATF)

13:50 – 14:15 Panel 2 – “The EU’s leverage to trigger global action: multilateralism and road to COP26”

• MEP Jutta Paulus (Greens/EFA)
• Manfredi Caltagirone, Head a.i., United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory
• Christophe McGlade, Head of Energy Supply Unit, International Energy Agency

14:15 – 14:25  Reactions from MEPs:

• MEP Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D)
• MEP Asger Christensen (Renew Europe)

14:25 – 14:50    Q&As with the audience

14:50 – 15:00  Closing remarks by MEP Maria Spyraki (EPP), Rapporteur on the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions