Methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide, is under the spotlight as nations strive to meet the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) target of cutting emissions by 30% by 2030.
At the 1st Kansai Japan and Southeast Asia Methane Awareness and Monitoring Roundtable Discussion, hosted by Dr Wong Yong Jie and Dr Yasue Bo from the Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS), experts from across the region gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in methane mitigation.
Prof Dr Mimura Tetsuro, Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Bioenvironmental Science at KUAS, set the tone with his opening remarks. “Methane is a critical front in the battle against climate change,” he stated, urging participants to use the forum as a launchpad for actionable solutions that address global and local impacts.
Insights from the Experts
Dr Bertrand Rouet-Leduc from Kyoto University captivated the audience by using artificial intelligence and satellite imaging to detect methane emissions worldwide. “AI allows us to pinpoint over 100,000 emission events annually,” Bertrand explained, citing sources like oil fields in the Permian Basin and urban landfills. He emphasized the importance of refining detection techniques to extend their reach across various industries.
Dr Helena Varkkey from Universiti Malaya provided a sobering analysis of Malaysia’s methane emissions. “Methane accounts for 15% of the country’s total greenhouse gases, with significant contributions from the oil and gas sector and palm oil industries,” she remarked. Helena also highlighted a glaring gap: the lack of a national methane action plan. She called for robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, pointing out that reducing methane could yield both environmental and public health benefits.
Meanwhile, Dr Matthew Ashfold from the University of Nottingham Malaysia tackled the inconsistencies between national and international methane inventories. “Bridging the gap between top-down satellite data and bottom-up field measurements is crucial,” Matthew said. He stressed that accurate data and transparent reporting are essential to achieving GMP targets, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of methane mitigation strategies.
Adelia Anju Asmara detailed Indonesia’s approach to methane reduction from Universitas Islam Indonesia. “Waste-to-energy plants and methane monitoring systems are key to our strategy,” Anju noted, explaining how these initiatives align with Indonesia’s goal of a 30% emissions reduction by 2030. She also underlined the importance of capacity building and adopting advanced technologies.
Dr Huynh Tan Loi from Van Lang University shone a light on an often-overlooked source of emissions: septic systems. “Anaerobic digestion in septic tanks is a significant contributor to methane emissions, especially with prolonged storage periods,” Loi explained. He advocated for regular maintenance as a simple yet effective solution to reduce emissions and enhance environmental outcomes.
A Vision for Collaboration
Prof Dr Suzuki Reiji, Head of Bioenvironmental Design at KUAS, wrapped up the event with an optimistic call for collaboration. “This is just the beginning,” he declared. “Addressing methane requires joint efforts from academia, industry, and policymakers to drive innovation and implement sustainable practices.”
A Shared Responsibility
The roundtable underscored the urgency of collective action to mitigate methane emissions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, fostering international partnerships, and developing transparent policies, the path to a greener, more resilient future is within
reach. Methane mitigation is not just about climate change—it’s a gateway to global progress.
