Track: C4. Policy Perspectives on Accelerating Carbon Emission Reduction

Background/Objectives

Central Asia and the Caspian region, rich in oil and gas, are home to one of the worst methane emitters in the world, Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan, a country of just over 6 million people, emits more methane from its oil and gas operations than China, a country of nearly 1.5 billion people, and other large emitters like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Turkmenistan also leads the world in methane intensity, which measures emissions per unit of production.

Turkmenistan‘s regime is notoriously opaque, characterized by a lack of environmental information transparency and the absence of independent oversight mechanisms, owing to a repressed media and non-profit sector.

According to the U.S. State Department's country strategy for Turkmenistan, one of the top priorities in bilateral relations between the two countries is promoting the reduction of methane emissions. The strategy suggests that the most cost-effective and technically feasible way to help Turkmenistan mitigate its climate impacts is to adopt existing US technologies for methane reduction. To achieve this goal, the US is planning to provide financial support and expertise to Turkmenistan. 

It is crucial to conduct an independent analysis of this problem and analyze the solutions while ensuring there are policies and safeguards in place to make the efforts fair and sustainable.

Approach/Activities

The case study by Crude Accountability, a US-based environmental NGO with over 20 years of experience working in the Caspian region, provides an analysis of open-source data on Turkmenistan’s methane emissions, including satellite imagery, peer-reviewed studies, and the interactive ‘Methane Tracker’ database published as part of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) most recent Global Methane Tracker report.

The case study also provides a comprehensive policy analysis focusing on Turkmenistan's international obligations, its national environmental and social policies, and the status of its civil society engagement. 

Based on scientific data and policy analysis, the study presents cost-effective solutions to help mitigate methane emissions in Turkmenistan. In addition to methane mitigation pathways such as implementing leak detection and repair, drastically limiting non-emergency venting and flaring, and modernizing existing oil and gas-related infrastructure, the study also offers concrete policy solutions for Turkmenistan to increase transparency of environmental data reporting and honor its international environmental and climate commitments.

Results/Lessons Learned

In the search for sustainable climate solutions, Turkmenistan’s outsized negative impact, especially its methane emissions, must be recognized and addressed. Reducing Turkmenistan’s methane pollution requires a combination of policy and technology solutions and efforts from international organizations, western governments, including the US, and civil society.

In an opaque environment such as Turkmenistan, collecting and analyzing reliable data is the first step to address the problem. 

Engaging with local affected communities, civil society, and independent monitors is also an important step in addressing the country’s environmental impacts. Making environmental and health-related data available and accessible is essential.

From the standpoint of technology, there are many proven pathways toward significant methane emissions reduction. Making these solutions apparent and accessible will ensure that super-emitter Turkmenistan is forced to act.