Abstract
Despite increased international focus on climate change over the past decade, global greenhouse gases have risen to their highest levels ever. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a Global Warming Potential over 80 times more than that of carbon dioxide over its 10 to 12 year lifespan. Methane is responsible for about a quarter of today’s global warming. If the world is to achieve the 1.5°C (or even a 2°C) global temperature target, deep reductions in methane emissions must be achieved by 2030. Due to the fact that methane’s atmospheric lifespan is relatively short, actions to reduce methane emissions can rapidly bend the curve away from dangerous warming, while also delivering air quality benefits. EDF research also shows that concerted global action using existing technologies could cut methane pollution in half and slow the rate of warming by as much as 30% by 2030.
The oil and gas sector is one of the largest emitters of methane. Even in the most ambitious climate-focused countries, natural gas and LNG will continue to play a big role in energy security and energy transition efforts. But gas can only have a more substantial and long-term impact on the energy sector if it has a lower emissions profile compared to coal or oil. Methane emissions are a wasted resource, because it is the main constituent of natural gas. Decarbonizing the natural gas supply chain is essential for gas to play any role in net zero transitions. And reducing methane is the first step in any decarbonization effort. From an economic perspective, leaked methane gas is, simply put, lost energy and lost revenue. There are existing, cost-effective technologies and best practices that can be easily deployed such as elimination of all non-safety related venting and flaring, zero pneumatics and replacing wet seals with dry seals to name a few. In most cases, controlling methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is both technologically feasible and economically viable, generates income for companies and countries, and contributes to reducing the climate footprint of oil and natural gas in a decarbonizing world.
Short Bio
Dr. Yawanarajah works for Environmental Defense Fund on the development and implementation of regulations to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. As a Senior Director for EDF’s Energy transition Team, Dr. Yawanarajah engages with governments, industry, academia, NGOs, and multi-lateral organizations such as the UN, to identify opportunities to reduce oil and gas methane at the national and sub-national levels. She focuses on energy and climate policy, methane best practices, capacity building and innovation, and leverages her 20+ years of professional knowledge of the energy industry to promote strategic dialogue and partnerships between environmental groups and the energy sector. Prior to joining EDF, Dr. Yawanarajah was the Oil and Gas Vice Consul at the United Kingdom Department of Trade. She also served as the Director of Oil and Gas Research (Senior Executive Service) at the U.S. Department of Energy, under the Obama Administration. Dr. Yawanarajah’s energy career includes Shell and Schlumberger. Dr. Yawanarajah earned her Ph. D in Organic Geochemistry from Southern Illinois University, her Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from Imperial College at the University of London, and her Bachelor’s in Earth Science from the National University of Malaysia.