Article

#BuyMoreTime: Coal Mines & Methane

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We Don't Have Time

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Welcome to another edition in our series of articles about the importance of tackling methane and other short-lived climate pollutants now. The world is not on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, but by focusing on these super pollutants, we can #BuyMoreTime to stabilize the climate. Read more articles in this series on our #BuyMoreTime page and join us by signing our letter to UN Ambassadors, advocating for a Montreal Protocol to limit short-lived climate gases.
https://youtu.be/-n-iCVX5eRc?si=4iaKTIl9iWVhjRVU

Coal mines don’t just produce the dirtiest of the major fossil fuels, they also release methane as a byproduct. In fact, these purely incidental emissions make up one of the largest contributors to anthropogenic methane emissions. However, this enormous problem is often overlooked by policymakers and the public at large. This session brings together coal mine experts from different sectors and parts of the world to explain the issue and how it might be addressed by the international community. Discussion highlights Global emission trends Methane emissions from active and abandoned coal mines are significant but challenging to measure due to complex and vast surface areas. Reliable data is essential for effective mitigation. China, with its deep underground mines and high production volumes, leads in emissions, though the issue is prevalent in all coal-producing countries. Abandoned mines are an increasing concern as coal consumption peaks globally. Mitigation strategies and challenges Technologies like regenerative thermal oxidizers can reduce methane's warming impact, but safety concerns and weak incentives limit widespread adoption. Regulation and market integration Current global frameworks overlook methane compared to CO2, though progress is emerging through EU regulations and voluntary efforts by private companies. Integrating methane into carbon markets and using satellite technology for tracking could enhance reduction efforts. Speakers Chris Wright, Climate Strategy Advisor, Ember Dan Barry, CEO, Peak Carbon Dorothy Lan Mei, Project Manager, Global Energy Monitor Ingmar Rentzhog, CEO & Founder, We Don't Have Time
Take Action: Sign the #BuyMoreTime Letter The urgency of this crisis demands action. Let decision-makers know about the critical importance of tackling methane and other short lived climate gases. Learn more and sign the #BuyMoreTime letter to call for immediate action.

https://www.wedonthavetime.org/buymoretime



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    We Don’t Have Time is the world’s largest media platform for climate action – with a mission to democratize knowledge about climate solutions and inspire and mobilize global action toward a prosperous, fossil-free future. The content of the We Don't Have Time social network is user-generated. The We Don’t Have Time organization does not automatically endorse users’ opinions and claims. All users of We Don’t Have Time have subscribed to We Don’t Have Time’s Terms of Use, which, among other things, prohibits hateful, abusive, and violent content. If you discover content that violates our Terms of Use, please notify us immediately. The platform is operated by the company WeDontHaveTime AB (publ), whose majority shareholder is the WeDontHaveTime Foundation. The Foundation’s principal purpose is to contribute to a reduced climate impact and an ecologically sustainable environment. Our headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden.

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