Viewpoints

Engaging With Stakeholders to Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil and Gas Production

Methane emissions from oil and gas production have an outsized contribution to global warming that can be reduced in cost-effective ways, helping mitigate a significant transition risk.

At PIMCO we endeavor to use our position as a global leader in fixed income investing to engage bond issuers on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) trends that are both material to our investments and supportive of sustainable economic growth. The release of methane (a powerful greenhouse gas with up to 83 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide) from oil and gas operations is an example of a material concern that puts both invested capital as well as the climate at risk, making it a priority topic when engaging with energy sector issuers.

PIMCO energy and ESG analysts have expanded and deepened ongoing engagements with oil and gas companies on the need to reduce methane emissions. Additionally, we have engaged policymakers on the need for a practical regulatory environment to reduce oil and gas production’s impact on the climate while preserving the competitive position of producers.

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The Author

Grover Burthey

Portfolio Manager, ESG

Meredith Block

ESG Research Analyst

Brendan Hanley

Credit Analyst

Dan Hwang

Credit Analyst

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Please note that the following contains the opinions of the manager as of the date noted and may not have been updated to reflect real time market developments. All opinions are subject to change without notice.

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PIMCO is committed to the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") factors into our broad research process and engaging with issuers on sustainability factors and our climate change investment analysis. At PIMCO, we define ESG integration as the consistent consideration of material ESG factors into our investment research process, which may include, but are not limited to, climate change risks, diversity, inclusion and social equality, regulatory risks, human capital management, and others. Further information is available in PIMCO’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investment Policy Statement.

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