As part of CURMET activities we performed a detailed knowledge synthesis of existing work on urban methane emissions. This work is essential to understand the state of the knowledge, and ensure we can identify where Calgary may have a different or similar methane emissions profile to other cities.
This detailed review was structured by source and helped create a detailed synthesis of the current research status. Methane emissions from landfills are being targeted in new draft regulations in Canada and the U.S.. Landfill emissions are substantial, but there are many other sources emitting methane in cities and urban areas offering abatement and mitigation opportunities. Some sources such as sewers and natural gas distribution pipeline leaks are known, while others have escaped the radar previously. Canadian and U.S. cities may have high potential in reducing emissions to mitigate climate change owing to broader national ambition on methane and preexisting frameworks that govern key sources of emissions. Together, this work creates a solid base for subsequent research.
Project lead: Coleman Vollrath
Publications
Vollrath, C., Xing, Z., Hugenholtz, C.H., Barchyn, T.E., Winter, J. 2024. A review of methane emissions source types and characteristics, rates, and mitigation across U.S. and Canadian cities. ChemRxiv. https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2024-cqzpr.