Global Methane Initiative (GMI) (UPSC Current Affairs)

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Why In The News?

• The Global Methane Initiative Leadership meeting, which was held virtually, was co-chaired by India and Canada.

What Is Methane Gas?

• Methane is a component of natural gas. It is a Greenhouse gas (GHG).
• The source of Methane gas is human and natural sources.
• 60 percent of global methane emissions are attributed to anthropogenic sources.
• Landfills, oil and gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, wastewater treatment, and some industrial processes are all included.
• The oil and gas industry is one of the most significant contributors of methane from human sources.
• The burning of fossil fuels, landfill decomposition, and the agriculture sector are the main sources of these emissions.

What Is The Global Methane Initiative?

• Global Methane Initiative (GMI) is a voluntary government and an informal international partnership with members from 45 nations, including the United States and Canada.
• The meeting was established with the goal of reducing anthropogenic methane emissions globally through a partnership between the developed and developing countries having economies in transition.
• India has been a member of the forum since its inception in 2004and has been taken up as Vice-Chairman of the Steering Leadership for the first time along with the United States.
• National governments are urged to join GMI as Partner Countries, while other non-state organizations may join GMI's extensive Project Network.

Areas of Interest:

• Currently, the program is focusing on five sectors that are known to emit anthropogenic methane:
  • Coal Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Municipal Wastewater
  • Municipal Solid waste
  • Oil and gas systems

Why Is Methane Being Focused On?

• Methane emissions are a major source of worry because it is a greenhouse gas that is 25 to 28 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
• Methane is responsible for 25% of today's global warming, according to the UN.
• After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
• Methane is responsible for over half of the 1.0-degree Celsius net rise in global average temperature since pre-industrial times, according to the IPCC.

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