Medium- and Long-Term Challenges and Countermeasures for China’s CH₄ Emission Control

Methane (CH4) is the second largest greenhouse gas in the world, and controlling CH4 emissions has climate, environment, safety, and economic benefits. China’s CH4 emissions are relatively large, and conducting medium- and long-term research on CH4 emission control strategies is crucial for the construction of a greenhouse gas emission reduction capacity system in China. Considering the scientific basis of CH4 emission control, this study analyzes the characteristics of CH4 emissions in China and explores the challenges faced by CH4 emission control. The logic of medium- and long-term CH4 emission control is clarified from three aspects: overall management and control idea, action directions of CH4 emission control in various fields, and system architecture of technologies and measures to reduce emissions. Corresponding countermeasures are then provided. The study concludes that China’s medium- and long-term actions regarding CH4 emission control will be constrained by the following problems: (1) large amount of CH4 emissions and differences among sectors and regions, (2) uncertain trends in emissions and specific paths, (3) unclear potentials of technologies and measures for emission reduction, and (4) insufficient capabilities to quantify risks and set targets for emission reduction. The CH4 emission control work of China should be strategically planned based on a long-term perspective, starting from setting overall emission control targets, assigning and implementing responsibilities, consolidating emission reduction capabilities, and enhancing the joint force of management and control. Additionally, institutional, technological, and model innovation should be promoted in a coordinated manner to accelerate the reduction in CH4 emissions.