Management of tropospheric ozone by reducing methane emissions

Abstract

Background concentrations of tropospheric ozone are increasing and are sensitive to methane emissions, yet methane mitigation is currently considered only for climate change. Methane control is shown here to be viable for ozone management. Identified global abatement measures can reduce ∼10% of anthropogenic methane emissions at a cost-savings, decreasing surface ozone by 0.4-0.7 ppb. Methane controls produce ozone reductions that are widespread globally and are realized gradually (∼12 yr). In contrast, controls on nitrogen oxides (NO x) and nonmethane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) target high-ozone episodes in polluted regions and affect ozone rapidly but have a smaller climate benefit. A coarse estimate of the monetized global benefits of ozone reductions for agriculture, forestry, and human health (neglecting ozone mortality) justifies reducing ∼17% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. If implemented, these controls would decrease ozone by ∼1 ppb and radiative forcing by ∼0.12 W m -2. We also find that climate-motivated methane reductions have air quality-related ancillary benefits comparable to those for CO 2. Air quality planning should consider reducing methane emissions alongside NO x and NMVOCs, and because the benefits of methane controls are shared internationally, industrialized nations should consider emphasizing methane in the further development of climate change or ozone policies. © 2005 American Chemical Society.