Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for anthropogenic climate change. In addition, other pollutants such as methane (natural gas) are far more potent, per molecule, than carbon dioxide in changing the climate, especially over the near-term. Methane alone is responsible for about one third of global warming that has occurred since the Industrial Revolution. . The oil and gas industry is responsible for about a third of U.S. methane emissions caused by human activity.
The Climate and Clean Energy program supports efforts to reduce leaks from oil and gas infrastructure, to reduce methane emissions and waste of natural gas.
Our grants in this area support applied research, technical assistance to policymakers, advocacy and litigation to advance and defend key policies, communications to educate key stakeholders on innovative opportunities, and public-private partnerships.