Reducing methane emissions as quickly as possible is critical for slowing down climate change. Fortunately, we have the technology and solutions to slash methane now. CH4 Pathways is designed for policymakers and others looking to take steps to reduce methane in their country and understand their options.
CH4 Pathways Explorer
The CH4 Pathways Explorer is a tool for exploring projections of methane emissions in South America out to 2050, as well as the potential impact of actions that can be taken to reduce them. Emissions can be explored by country and by sector (agriculture, energy, waste). The potential impact of solutions can be projected at various scales from not low to high levels of implementation. This can help countries understand which actions could be most impactful for reducing their methane emissions.
Understanding Solutions
CH4 Pathways details the main solutions for reducing methane with information about how they work, where they’ve been applied, and policy considerations for putting them in place. Policy considerations are described at the national, regional, and local level. The solutions are divided by sector.
Resources
Below is a list of resources, by sector, that are helpful for designing methane-reduction laws, policies, and initiatives.
Agriculture
Compost manure and farm waste
The Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock provides resources related to manure management, including examples of government policies that have been implemented across South America.
The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations has developed a farmer’s compost handbook that discusses compost technologies and policies for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Energy
Retrofit buildings
C40 Cities has developed Guidelines and Recommendations for developing a roadmap for net zero carbon buildings in Latin America. You can also check out C40’s case studies on building retrofits in Latin America.
The Getting to zero in Latin America: Decarbonizing the Building Sector by 2030 report prepared for the Inter-American Development Bank discusses approaches that different levels of government can use to promote energy efficiency, along with case studies.
Replace natural gas
C40 Cities has developed a relevant implementation guide: How cities can shift from gas to renewables in buildings.
Decrease fugitive emissions
Ipieca, a global oil and gas association focused on environmental and social performance, has developed flaring management guidance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including guidance for governments and regulatory bodies.
The World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership has compiled a list of resources related to reducing natural gas flaring emissions, including technical guidance and a report on how to finance flare reduction projects.
The International Energy Agency has developed a regulatory toolkit on driving down methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Waste
Capture landfill gas
The World Bank has published a guide on financing landfill gas projects in developing countries.
C40 Cities's guide on how to create a roadmap for your city’s renewable energy transition offers guidance on policies related to biogas.
Compost food and garden waste
C40 Cities has developed an implementation guide on how cities can collect residential food waste, as well as a case study on composting waste in São Paulo.
The Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Municipal Solid Waste Management Platform provides resources and opportunities to learn from other countries.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has created the Solid Waste Management Guide for Developing Countries.
United Nations Environment Programme: Waste Management Outlook for Latin America.
Recycle paper and cardboard
C40 Cities has developed an implementation guide on how cities can boost recycling rates, as well as a research report on sustainable development benefits of Integrated waste management.
The UN Environment Programme’s Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean provides members with resources and funding opportunities for circular economy solutions involving recycling waste.
The UN Environment Programme has developed a resource on unlocking circular economy finance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Reduce waste
C40 Cities has produced an implementation guide on how cities can reduce food waste by households and businesses.
The UN Environment Programme has created a guide on unlocking circular economy finance in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The UN Environment Programme’s Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean provides members with resources and funding opportunities for circular economy solutions that can reduce waste.
Anaerobic digestion
The Network for Biodigesters for Latin America and the Caribbean (RedBioLAC) brings together individuals and organizations involved in efforts related to biodigesters across Latin and Central America. It offers resources and access to national networks related to biodigesters.