Tackling methane gas emissions from oil and gas sector in British Columbia

Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapour absorb infrared radiation and reradiate it back to Earth’s surface, potentially trapping heat and causing global warming and climate change.

Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations is recognized as one of the most effective ways to mitigate climate change and regulatory policies could be pivotal in ensuring this.

Acknowledging the seriousness of the challenge, British Columbia (B.C.) released its Climate Action Plan in 2008, highlighting Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets and a suite of programs to achieve them.

This was followed by announcing a methane emission reduction target of 45% from upstream natural gas production by 2025 and a commitment to investing in infrastructure to power natural gas projects with clean electricity.

This case study was developed as part of the Methane Project. The aim of this project is to support Under2 Coalition members to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations within their jurisdictions and showcase their achievements to other governments.