What Should We Cover Next?

Hi there,

Welcome to the 22nd edition of our newsletter, The Overview: A biweekly dispatch on the world of methane and other super pollutants.

Today, we’re keeping things light starting with a poll for your input on what you’d like to see us cover in future editions. From there, we’ll highlight some of the latest developments in the methane mitigation space. To wrap, we’re sharing a few recent pieces that resonated with our readers, just in case you missed them.

A Poll: What should we cover next?

For edition #22 of this newsletter, we figured this was the perfect time to hear from you, our readers, about what you’d like us to explore more deeply in future editions. We’ve put together a quick poll to make it easy.

If you have trouble viewing the poll in your inbox, or if you’d like to suggest something not listed, just reply directly to this email with your ideas, requests, or feedback. We’d love to hear from you!

News and deal roundup:

• Methane measurement: An international study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research (“Global Fossil Methane Emissions Constrained by Multi-Isotopic Atmospheric Methane Histories”) found that it’s possible to use multi-isotopic atmospheric measurements to distinguish atmospheric methane between fossil fuel and non-fossil fuel sources. Specifically, by analyzing radiocarbon and stable isotopes in methane molecules, researchers differentiated between fossil fuel methane (which lacks radiocarbon) and biogenic sources like agriculture and wetlands. Based on the study, fossil fuel emissions total approximately 130 million tonnes annually between 2003 and 2012, which aligns with other estimates from parties such as the Global Carbon Project. Despite alignment between this new study and past estimates, researchers noted that more details about where fossil fuel methane emissions stem from (e.g., exact locations and modes of emission) will benefit from considerably more study (which will become easier as methane measurement technologies advance, as we’ve covered extensively). Link. Link.

• Updated emissions reduction targets from a major national emitter: In advance of COP30 later this year in Brazil, Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first international appearance focused on climate change issues since 2021 and made fresh national-level commitments to greenhouse gas emission reductions (across all greenhouse gasses, not just carbon dioxide). While representatives from the EU and other countries were present, the U.S. was conspicuously absent. China isn’t just the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitter; it’s also the world’s largest methane and nitrous oxide emitter as well. Link. Link. Link.

• Emissions disclosures from a major corporate emitter: Nestlé, the massive global CPG conglomerate, proactively published methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide emissions data in a recent public (non-financial) disclosure, breaking emissions down across its value chain in addition to greenhouse gas type. The company claims it has reduced emissions of methane and carbon dioxide by close to 20% against a 2018 baseline, predominantly from shifting sourcing for ingredients to farms that implement practices that reduce emissions, whether by adopting regenerative farming practices, other lower-emission farming practices (think manure management), or adding new and improved infrastructure (e.g., anaerobic digesters). Close to two-thirds of Nestlé’s emissions come from ingredient sourcing and finished goods production (see below). Link.

• Fundraising for enteric fermentation: Hoofprint Biome, based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, raised $15 million in Series A funding led by SOSV to develop enzyme-based feed additives to reduce methane emissions from livestock and (ideally) improve feed conversion efficiency and holistic animal productivity. Many feed additive competitors focus on chemical-based interventions (e.g., the active ingredient in FDA-approved feed additive Bovaer®, developed by DSM, is 3-NOP, an enzyme inhibitor). Alternatively, as described by Hoofprint CEO, Kathryn Polkoff, “[Hoofprint leverages] enzymes to reshape the rumen microbiome [to] redirect energy flows for better feed efficiency—more milk in dairy cows, more weight gain in beef." Link.

• Fundraising for non-GMO seed traits (with potential livestock emissions implications): BioLumic, based out of Champaign, Illinois, raised $8.3 million in an oversubscribed Series B Extension led by Ki Tua Fund (backed by dairy giant Fonterra), with participation from Azolla Ventures and iSelect Fund. The company's proprietary xTraits™ platform uses targeted UV light signals to activate beneficial seed traits sans genetic modification. It claims it can deliver up to 90% faster trait development compared to existing methods, including those focused on genetic modification. Potential applications include boosted yields as well as tweaks to grasses for livestock that could improve pasture productivity and potentially reduce livestock methane emissions based on improved feed composition. Link.

ICYMI: Recent coverage of ours that readers found useful:

Thanks for reading the 22nd edition of The Overview. If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Overview and forward this to a colleague or friend who might benefit from it.

— This newsletter is brought to you by Lauren Singer and Nick van Osdol