Methane Best Practices

Joe Sabol was raised on an apple farm in Racine County, Wisconsin, and received B.S. (chemistry) from Carroll College (now Carroll University), Ph.D. (chemistry) from Oklahoma State University, and post-doctoral training chemical engineering from University of Minnesota.

American Chemical Society
ACS Fall 2025
Washington DC
August 17-21, 2025

Methane: Policy for a Greenhouse Gas

The global market value of methane (natural gas) is projected to be $120 billion in 2025 and grow 5-10 % per year. Use of coal, oil, and gas contribute 120 million tons (Mt) of methane emission into the atmosphere. The United States is the largest emitter of methane (10%) and closely followed by the Russian Federation. In terms of contribution to the greenhouse gas inventory, methane is second, between carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and accounts for about 1/3 of the global warming since the industrial revolution. The atmospheric concentration of methane is increasing faster than at any time since record keeping began in the 1980s, but its savior is a mean atmospheric lifetime of about ten years. Methane won’t disappear from the market anytime soon, but control of emission is a near-term opportunity to mitigate Earth’s atmospheric warming. This symposium includes methane sources and sinks, measurement, control, and use technology, climate modeling, regulatory impacts, and market supply and demand. Abstract submission closes March 31, 2025.

ENFL

GEOC

PACIFICHEM 2025

Honolulu, December 15-20

Approaching Steady-State Atmospheric Methane in the Anthropocene
 
The current atmospheric concentration of methane exceeds 2.00 ppm and is increasing faster than at any time since record keeping began in the 1980s. Approximately 40% of the post-industrial revolution global warming (radiative forcing) can be ascribed to methane. Natural gas (methane) and liquified natural gas (LNG) are useful fuels and chemical feedstocks and easily transported via an established infrastructure. The 2024 market value of methane and LNG is projected to be US$117B and grow at least 10% per year. Methane’s savior is its mean atmospheric lifetime, ~10 years, and can provide a near-term opportunity to mitigate global warming. Unfortunately, the atmospheric lifetime of methane appears to be increasing, due to loss of hydroxyl radicals and other species in methane destruction reactions. Human activity contributes to the imbalance between natural sources and sinks. This symposium includes methane sources and sinks, measurement, control, and use technology, climate modeling, regulatory impacts, and market supply and demand. Abstract submission closes April 2, 2025.

PACIFICHEM

Elevating the Discussion around Methane

The current global market value of methane (natural gas) is $120 billion and is projected to grow at least 5% per year. Methane is second in terms of contribution to the greenhouse gas inventory, between carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and accounting for about 30% of the global warming since the industrial revolution; the atmospheric concentration of methane is increasing faster than at any time since record keeping began in the 1980s. Methane’s savior is its mean atmospheric lifetime of about ten years (CO2 and N2O are each about 100 years) providing a near-term opportunity to mitigate its atmospheric concentration, the imbalance between natural sources and sinks. We need to better understand methane sources and sinks, measurement, control, and use technology, climate modeling, regulatory impacts, and market supply and demand.

ACS Fall 2024 ENFL

Trusted Information for Public Policy

Reliable information is crucial for effective public policy discussion and decision-making. Policymakers need accurate, transparent, and trustworthy information to make good decisions and allocate resources that effectively address societal issues. Public trust and accountability are enhanced when evidence is used, not assumptions, bias, or speculation. Problem identification and framing can define issues and avoid or mitigate unintended consequences. When all stakeholders have access to the same reliable information and a voice in the discussion, the results are easier accepted by all. 

ACS

Elevating the Discussion around Scientific Information

Information flows to us via many channels. Misleading information is more than an inconvenience, it can create chaos and delay or prevent decisions in areas such as public health, environmental action, and the market. Society action taken without regard for reliable information is undesirable. Assessing the quality of scientific literature is an art, a skill that not every member of society is capable of performing. Mis- and dis-information, claims not supported by evidence, can spread like wildfire; if unchallenged, societal polarization can increase and confidence in public institutions can erode. What are the best practices that we can share, to help society understand and resolve complex social and technical issues? Information theory, education, libraries, behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and public policy can be tools to address misleading information.

ACS Fall 2024 CINF