Luanda: The Minister of Environment, Ana Paula de Carvalho Pereira, reaffirmed on Monday in Luanda Angola's commitment to reducing methane emissions, one of the most effective measures for accelerating the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable development.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister highlighted during the opening of the Regional Workshop on Methane Emissions Mitigation in the Oil and Gas Sector that methane is one of the greenhouse gases with the greatest short-term impact on global warming. Reducing methane emissions brings environmental, economic, and public health benefits.

Ana Paula de Carvalho Pereira mentioned that Angola has been consolidating its climate governance by strengthening regulatory instruments, monitoring mechanisms, and institutional coordination platforms, aligning with the international commitments undertaken by the country. The Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3) sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing national climate resilience.

The development of the National Methane Emissions Reduction Plan (PLANAREM) was also highlighted by the minister. This strategic instrument is designed to identify, monitor, mitigate, and manage methane emissions in Angola. The plan encompasses key sectors of the national economy, including oil and gas, agriculture, livestock, municipal solid waste, wastewater management, energy, and forestry.

The minister advocated for strengthening regional cooperation among African oil and gas-producing countries to share technologies for detecting and repairing leaks, reusing associated gas, and reducing gas flaring in oil operations. She emphasized that Angola remains committed to a just and balanced energy transition that reconciles environmental protection with industrialization, job creation, poverty alleviation, and energy security.

Furthermore, the minister stated that Angola is working on establishing the necessary institutional and regulatory frameworks for the development of the carbon market to attract green investment and access international climate finance.

In turn, the Deputy Governor of Luanda Province for Economic Affairs, Jorge Miguªns Augusto, emphasized the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which has become a technical, economic, and reputational necessity. He highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between governments, companies, and international partners to accelerate the implementation of technological solutions for detecting leaks, improving operational processes, and reducing waste throughout the oil and gas production chain.

The official noted that adopting these measures will not only contribute to environmental protection but also enhance the competitiveness of the energy sector through the utilization of recovered gas and improved industrial operational efficiency.

The Regional Workshop on Methane Emissions Mitigation brought together experts, government representatives, and international partners to discuss strategies for reducing emissions in the African oil and gas sector.