By Valerie Volcovici

WASHINGTON (Reuters)

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday its intention to reduce U.S. emissions of industrial greenhouse gases, particularly nitrous oxide, as part of its national strategy to combat climate change under the Paris Agreement.

The focus on industrial gases follows U.S. initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions, which have led to an international effort encouraging other nations to implement significant cuts in emissions, in addition to domestic reductions.

Like methane, nitrous oxide is a short-lived but potent greenhouse gas, and the U.S. aims for substantial and cost-effective reductions in an effort against climate change.

“Most of the discussion of climate change focuses on carbon dioxide, but super pollutants like methane and nitrous oxide cause half of the climate change we’re experiencing today,” said John Podesta, Senior Adviser to the President for International Climate Policy.

The White House initiated this effort on Tuesday, with events and announcements from various industrial companies, including Ascend Performance Materials, taking voluntary steps to reduce nitrous oxide emissions.

Nitrous oxide emissions arise from various sources, including the production of certain fertilizers and synthetic materials like nylon.

According to a State Department official, it may cost as little as $10 per metric ton to reduce nitrous oxide emissions via projects in the voluntary carbon offset market.

Last year, the U.S. and China agreed to commit to reducing all non-carbon greenhouse gases in their upcoming national climate plans due for submission to the United Nations next year under the Paris agreement.

Gabrielle Dreyfuss, chief scientist for the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, expressed hope for cooperation between the world’s two largest industrial emitters on nitrous oxide reduction, stating, “When the U.S. and China work together, big things can happen.”

Podesta also mentioned his plans to travel to China later this year to engage with counterparts.

The event on Tuesday further included a commitment of $300 million from philanthropic organizations for the Global Methane Hub, which supports global initiatives to cut methane emissions.