Consultant for Methane & Urban Climate Policies and Actions

UN ESCAP - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Bangkok, Thailand

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose:

Asia and the Pacific region is a significant contributor to global methane emissions. While precise, up-to-date, and region-specific data can be challenging to obtain, general overview information is available. IEA reported an estimated 355,801kt of global methane emissions in 2022. Industry-wise, the agricultural sector (40 per cent) has the highest number, followed by energy and waste.

Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share, contributing to 38.2 per cent of the total. Asia's burgeoning oil and gas industry is a significant contributor to increased methane emissions with rapid industrialization and economic growth that leads to increased extraction, processing, and transportation, all of which can result in methane leaks. Aging Infrastructure and outdated equipment in oil and gas facilities may not meet modern standards for methane control and relying on gas flaring and venting of natural gas cause a significant source of methane emissions. There are also issues with varying regulations across Asian countries, with some having stricter standards than others and enforcing regulations can be challenging.

Rapid urbanization in Asia-Pacific is placing increased pressure on the sustainable management of natural resources, and in particular on water, energy and food. Urban areas are major sites of anthropogenic methane emissions. Studies comparing urban and global inventories suggest that urban areas presently account for around 21 to 22 per cent of global emissions. Looking closely at sectoral contributions within urban areas, studies suggest that the primary drivers of urban methane emissions are from natural gas consumption and waste treatment practices. Urban natural gas consumption and associated methane emissions are expected to continue growing rapidly due to falling commodity prices from technological advances in natural gas extraction. Likewise, urban waste emissions are also expected to increase due to urbanization and population growth.

The consultant will support the project team with background research to develop a policy brief on interlinkages between methane and low carbon policies and actions at the urban level in the Asia-Pacific region. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive literature review and data analysis to identify existing urban climate policies and actions, initiatives, and best practices related to methane mitigation and low-carbon development in urban areas. The policy brief will synthesize the research findings, highlighting key interlinkages, challenges, and opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to promote integrated approaches to methane reduction and low-carbon urban development. As part of the research work, a pre-drafted handbook on methane will be provided as a useful reference that will require final review and editing. It is expected that the consultant will identify urban sources of methane (wastes/landfills, wastewater, fossil fuel production and distribution, industrial activities, transportation, wetlands) in the region and utilizing available data and information to approximate methane emissions contributions of each source.

The consultant will have the opportunity to present the findings from the policy brief at a regional policy dialogue on NDC-Urban initiative.

Objective:

Under the direct supervision of the project coordinator, Urban-ACT project manager and general supervision of the Chief, Sustainable Urban Development Section, the consultant will complete the following duties:

Participate in planning meetings to discuss with ESCAP’s Environment and Development Division (EDD), regarding scope of work, timelines, research areas and outline for developing a policy brief on interlinkages between methane and low carbon policies and actions in the Asia-Pacific region;
Undertake literature review and desk research on the latest statistical data, substantive knowledge, and regional status quo on methane emissions as it relates to low carbon development, local climate policies and NDC-urban interlinkages;
Prepare an annotated outline for a policy brief based on the research and information collected;
Draft a policy brief to serve as a background document during a regional policy dialogue on NDC-urban discussions;
Contribute to development of key messages and preparations for a Regional Policy Dialogue based on main points/questions outlined in the policy brief; and 6. Prepare corresponding presentation slides and present the findings.

Qualifications/special skills

Minimum advanced degree in environmental science, climate change, energy, urban development or related area Experience in environment and/or urban climate related research and policy analysis and publication of policy-oriented knowledge products Expert knowledge and understanding of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;
Experience working with UN agencies on environment, energy and urban issues and organizing environment-related meetings is an advantage.