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The International Methane to Markets Partnership is publishing its first comprehensive report detailing the achievements of its 31 partner governments. Methane gas capture and use projects supported by the partnership since its creation in 2004 are currently reducing emissions by more than 27.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually -- equivalent to the annual emissions from 5 million passenger vehicles.
"The Methane to Markets Partnership is a true success story in the fight against climate change and the transition to a clean energy economy," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office for Air and Radiation and current chair of the Methane to Markets steering committee. "Methane to Markets," said Ms. McCarthy, "is helping countries mitigate climate change, develop new sources of clean energy, and protect their local environments."
The Methane to Markets Partnership reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while providing clean energy to markets around the world.
Through the partnership, member countries and nearly 900 private sector entities, financial institutions, non-governmental agencies, and other organizations have collaborated on more than 170 methane capture and use projects and activities. The partnership has also held more than 80 events in 23 countries, generated $84 million in direct funding, and leveraged more than $350 million in private financing for capacity building and project development.
The Methane to Markets Partnership is sponsoring an international expo in March, 2010 in New Delhi, India. The expo will showcase current projects; opportunities for potential project partners and financiers; technical, policy and financial issues; and the latest technologies and services related to methane recovery and use.
Significant reductions in methane emissions are possible using currently available, cost-effective technologies. And the need for those reductions is urgent as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The United States is committed to working with its international partners to reduce methane gas emissions.
