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Reducing methane justly

While addressing the question of global methane emissions, it is necessary to keep justice considerations in mind.

A strategy aiming to implement justice and equity in the global reduction of methane emissions would need to consider the disparate impact of methane reduction strategies on different communities, countries, and industries. It would need to be designed to distribute costs and benefits fairly, address historical responsibilities, and provide support to those most affected by both the impacts of climate change and the transition to a low-methane economy. Here are some potential aspects it could focus on:

  1. Differentiated Responsibilities: Developed countries, which have contributed most to historical methane emissions, may be asked to take on larger reduction commitments and provide financial and technical support to developing countries.
  2. Just Transition: Measures should be put in place to support workers and communities who depend on high methane-emitting industries. This could include retraining programs, income support, and investments in alternative industries.
  3. Support for Vulnerable Countries: Some countries, particularly low-income countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are more vulnerable to climate change but have fewer resources to address it. They may need additional support to implement methane reduction strategies and adapt to a changing climate.
  4. Inclusion of Indigenous and Local Communities: Indigenous and local communities often have a significant stake in methane-emitting sectors like agriculture and waste management. These communities should be involved in decision-making processes and their rights and interests should be protected.
  5. Progressive Policies: Policies should be designed to be progressive, meaning the costs and benefits should be distributed in a way that reduces inequality. For instance, revenue from a methane tax could be used to fund social programs or provide rebates to low-income households.

As for policy questions, here are some that might be particularly complex under this framework:

  1. How to fairly distribute the costs and benefits of methane reduction? Balancing efficiency and equity can be challenging, especially considering the diverse capacities and vulnerabilities of different countries, communities, and industries.
  2. How to account for historical responsibilities? Should countries and industries that have contributed more to historical methane emissions have a greater responsibility to reduce emissions and support others?
  3. How to support a just transition for workers and communities? What measures are needed to support those whose livelihoods depend on high methane-emitting industries, such as fossil fuel extraction and certain types of agriculture?
  4. How to ensure the rights and interests of indigenous and local communities are protected? How can these communities be meaningfully included in decision-making processes?
  5. How to balance the need for methane reduction with other development goals? For instance, some methane-emitting activities also contribute to food production or energy access, which are crucial for many developing countries.

Addressing these questions will require careful policy design, robust stakeholder consultation, and ongoing monitoring and adjustment to ensure the strategy is achieving its equity and justice goals.

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