New Methane Emission Rules Will Help Create a Better Future for Birds and People

Methane is a major contributor to climate change that threatens the survival of birds.

GLASGOW (November 2, 2021) -- The U.S. announced that it would not only restore limits on methane emissions from new oil and gas projects, but would also apply regulations to existing oil and gas infrastructure that was built before 2015. Methane is the second-biggest contributor to climate change, behind carbon dioxide, and methane from the oil and gas supply chain is often co-emitted with harmful air pollutants.

鈥淏irds are telling us that we need to take urgent action to reduce emissions and protect our communities and wildlife from the worst effects of climate change, and we can鈥檛 do that without seriously addressing methane emissions,鈥 said Michael Obeiter, senior director of federal climate strategy for the 探花精选. 鈥淩estoring and expanding limits on methane, alongside taking bold action to reduce carbon emissions, will go a long way toward realizing a cleaner future for us all.鈥

A 2019 report from the 探花精选 found that two-thirds of North American bird species will be vulnerable to extinction if global temperatures are allowed to rise at the current rate. Reducing emissions from greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane will help alleviate some of the worst effects of climate change.

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The 探花精选 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. 探花精选 works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give 探花精选 an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, 探花精选 believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at  and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.