Argentine Province of Neuquén Establishes Subnational Carbon Registry

Neuquén Leads Subnational Climate Action with New Carbon Registry

The Argentine province of Neuquén, a key economic hub with significant dependencies on oil, gas, mining, and agriculture, has taken a proactive step in climate governance by establishing a subnational carbon registry. This initiative, formalized under Provincial Law No. 3454 in 2024, positions Neuquén at the forefront of regional efforts to address climate change within Argentina.

The province's economy is deeply intertwined with its natural resources, with the oil and gas sector, particularly the Vaca Muerta basin, being a major contributor. Argentina's overall economy relies heavily on these sectors, with oil, gas, and mining, alongside agriculture, accounting for almost 70% of the nation's exports.

The Neuquén Climate Action Regime

The newly established framework, known as the Climate Action Regime of Neuquén, aims to promote development while minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It seeks to strengthen the institutional capacities of the provincial government and foster a low-emission economy that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.

A central focus of this regime is the measurement and reduction of greenhouse gases from oil and gas activities. The province has implemented comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols to track emissions, specifically targeting methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Key Features and International Alignment

The carbon registry incorporates several critical features designed to ensure its integrity and effectiveness. These include voluntary registration for participants, stringent auditing requirements to verify emission reductions, and explicit Article 6 compatibilities. The latter ensures alignment with the international carbon market mechanisms outlined in the Paris Agreement, allowing for potential future participation in global carbon credit trading.

Neuquén's commitment to robust monitoring is further demonstrated by its participation in the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). This collaboration provides access to satellite monitoring capabilities, enabling the identification of significant methane emissions and facilitating rapid response.

Economic Drivers and Environmental Goals

The establishment of this registry reflects Neuquén's strategic approach to integrating climate action with its economic development. By creating a transparent and verifiable system for carbon accounting, the province aims to attract investment in sustainable practices and projects, particularly within its dominant sectors. This move is part of a broader trend in Argentina, where subnational entities like Neuquén, Córdoba, and Misiones are developing their own climate standards and programs, rather than waiting for federal initiatives.

The registry is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the province's economic landscape, encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, and ultimately contributing to Argentina's national climate goals.