Royal Dutch Shell Raises Ambition to Drive Down Methane Emissions

Environmental Defense Fund statement from Ben Ratner, Senior Director, EDF+Business

(WASHINGTON, DC) International oil and gas major Royal Dutch Shell today announced a strong, quantifiable target to limit methane emissions to near-zero levels by 2025 from managed assets globally. The goal is stringent, time-bound, and covers both oil and gas side emissions, earning it high marks on this 5-point scale. Shell is the third global producer this year to set a methane reduction goal; BP announced its target in April and ExxonMobil in May. “Shell’s industry-leading target makes clear that the race to near-zero methane emissions is on. Strong commitments like this suggest to investors, governments, and business partners alike that an operator is serious about its positioning in a cleaner energy economy.

“Company leadership on methane does not stop with setting targets. Follow through with good data and transparency are vital – as is leadership in standing up for strong, sensible methane policy that can improve performance across the industry.”

           ·  Ben Ratner, Senior Director, EDF+Business

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund

Media Contact

Lauren Whittenberg
(512) 691-3437
Stacy MacDiarmid
(512) 691-3439