Australia Rejects U.S., EU Call for Global Methane Agreement

  • U.S., EU seek target to cut emissions of the greenhouse gas
  • Australia energy minister defends farming, oil industries
Photographer: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg
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Australia is rejecting a push by the U.S. and the European Union to join a global pact to cut methane emissions, expected to be announced at the crucial COP26 summit in Glasgow which starts Sunday.

About 35 nations are expected to commit to support a collective goal to cut output of the greenhouse gas by at least 30% from 2020 levels by the end of the decade. While Australia’s role as a major producer of fossil fuels and agricultural products make it a major emitter, Energy Minister Angus Taylor on Thursday confirmed his nation won’t sign up to the deal.