Marcelo Mena
CEO
Global Methane Hub
Marcelo Mena is the founding CEO of the Global Methane Hub (GMH), the world's first and only globally coordinated philanthropic effort to overcome barriers and slash methane emissions in record time. Under his guidance, GMH has advanced methane reduction policies and projects in over 150 countries and territories, including China and India.
Mena is also a distinguished professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and the former Environment Minister for Chile, serving in the Michelle Bachelet administration (2014 to 2018). During his tenure as minister, Mena played a pivotal role in numerous international environmental initiatives. Notable among these was his instrumental involvement in crafting a groundbreaking agreement aimed at phasing out coal power generation. He also pioneered South America’s inaugural carbon taxes for power generation and new car sales, facilitated the establishment of 45,000 square kilometers of national parks, and spearheaded efforts to safeguard 1.3 million square kilometers of ocean. Mena has also held significant positions at the World Bank and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
Mena, a biochemical engineer by training, earned his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Engineering from The University of Iowa. His research focus encompassed estimating the externalities of various sectors including biofuels, power generation, transportation, and residential heating. Utilizing his research findings, Mena became a staunch advocate for renewable energy and actively campaigned for the implementation of stricter regulations to curb coal power generation in Chile. His contributions have been recognized through awards from prestigious institutions such as NASA, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Geographic Society. Moreover, he has been honored with fellowships from institutions including MIT and the Fulbright Commission. Notably, the UN Environment Programme, on behalf of President Bachelet and the Chilean government, bestowed upon him the title of Champion of the Earth, the highest environmental accolade for policy leadership.
