South Korea’s $20-Million Green Project for Methane Mitigation
South Korea has launched an ambitious $20-million green project to support the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations in reducing methane emissions. Methane mitigation is crucial because this greenhouse gas traps heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide (CO2). The project, known as the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM), aims to help the region meet climate goals while addressing one of the most potent contributors to global warming.
The South Korean envoy to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently visited Manila to officially start the project. According to sources close to the initiative, the Philippines is among the first ASEAN countries to actively participate, highlighting its role as a pioneer in climate action within the region.
“The Philippines is one of the pioneers in promoting climate action and environmental cooperation in this region,” said the envoy. “And the Philippines was one of the first countries that were ready and prepared to start this project. That is why I came here—to emphasize the importance of this effort not only for the Philippines but for the entire ASEAN community.”
Understanding Methane’s Impact on Climate Change
Greenhouse gases like CO2, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases contribute to the rising global temperatures by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane, however, stands out because it is 28 to 80 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2 over a 20-year period, according to environmental experts.
Methane mainly comes from agriculture, livestock, and waste management. Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan, its ability to trap radiation is significantly stronger. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition reports that methane’s warming effect can be up to 86 times that of CO2 in the short term.
Local experts note that awareness about methane emissions remains limited compared to carbon dioxide. This lack of understanding is why South Korea decided to focus a substantial budget on methane mitigation as part of this project.
Collaborative Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions
The ASEAN-Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation project will build a solid institutional, technical, and financial base to reduce methane emissions across the region. Activities will include methane measurement, establishing regional guidelines, promoting cooperation, and supporting specific methane reduction initiatives.
Climate officials emphasize the importance of these efforts. “Mitigation, or reduction of greenhouse gases, addresses the root causes of climate change,” said a senior climate official. “The Philippines adopts two main strategies: adaptation and mitigation. Assessing methane emissions is essential to developing effective pathways for reducing greenhouse gases.”
The project’s short-term goals include raising public and governmental awareness of methane’s role in climate change and creating a methane mitigation roadmap for ASEAN countries.
“We are aiming to highlight the importance of this project not only for the Philippines but for the entire ASEAN region,” the envoy added.
For more news and updates on methane mitigation, visit Filipinokami.com.