Methane is a prominent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a high global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide. As one of the largest methane-emitting countries, China’s rice cultivation and manure management together contribute 53.6% of the agricultural methane emissions and 20% of all human-caused methane emissions nationwide. Therefore, mitigating methane emissions from rice and manure is essential for China to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

China has made some progress in mitigating methane emissions from rice cultivation and manure management. However, significant challenges remain, such as gaps in emission data, lack of robust methane monitoring systems, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. The small scale of most farms further complicates the promotion of methane-mitigation practices. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist. There is political momentum to reduce agricultural methane and there are synergies between agricultural methane mitigation, circular economy, and energy security, which are all priorities for China in the near term. Additionally, China's voluntary carbon market provides incentives for developing methane mitigation projects for rice and manure. 

To better support the implementation of China’s methane action plan, and ultimately reduce agricultural methane, our new California-China Climate Institute report utilizes an integrated analytical framework to (1) understand the factors that are driving methane emissions, (2) reflect regional agricultural contexts and the need for localized policy approaches, and (3) recognize the steps needed to establish a robust MRV system. Compared to many other studies that analyze China’s agricultural methane mitigation from a technological perspective, this report offers potential methane mitigation solutions from a policy perspective.

Here are some major findings from this report:

• Reducing methane emission intensity is an effective strategy for reducing rice and manure methane in China. It requires innovation in low-cost technologies and policy support to improve the profitability of methane mitigation projects.
• Adjustment to the structure of livestock production and consumption is an important driver of manure methane mitigation, as raising cattle will generate more manure methane. Improving anaerobic digesters, dietary changes, and avoiding food waste are potential solutions.
• Implementing mitigation measures tailored to regional characteristics is important. China should prioritize manure methane mitigation in Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, Henan, Guangxi, and other western provinces, while prioritizing rice methane mitigation in Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Anhui, and Jiangsu.
• Establishing a robust MRV system is crucial for rice and manure methane mitigation in China. Various levels of government in China should support legal, institutional, and technical efforts in MRV development. China also needs to address gaps in emission data collection and conduct more local studies involving farmers and enterprises to refine MRV systems. 

Read the Full Report in English
Read the Summary for Policymakers in English.
Read the Summary for Policymakers in Mandarin.