Global Methane Status Report: Progress Made, But More Work Needed to Meet Climate Goals- Ministers Urge
Oru Leonard
A new report launched on Monday, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, reveals that while progress has been made in reducing methane emissions, more effort is needed to meet the Global Methane Pledge target of a 30% cut from 2020 levels by 2030.
The Global Methane Status Report, produced by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), shows that methane emissions are still rising, but projected 2030 emissions are lower than earlier forecasts due to national policies and sectoral regulations.
The report highlights that:
– National action has the potential to deliver historic progress, with a possible 8% cut in emissions by 2030.
– Solutions are ready and cost-effective, with over 80% of 2030 emissions reduction potential achievable at low cost.
– Benefits far outweigh costs, with potential to prevent over 180,000 premature deaths and 19 million tonnes of crop losses annually by 2030.
Ministers attending the Global Methane Pledge Ministerial emphasized the need for decisive action to deliver the pledge, citing available policies, technologies, and partnerships.
The report calls for increased transparency, stronger measurement, and finance to track progress and target major sources of emissions.
Major economies and better data are key: Seventy-two percent of global methane mitigation potential lies in G20+ countries, where emissions could fall by 36% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels by mitigating methane in agriculture, waste, and fossil fuel sectors. Stronger measurement, reporting, and finance are essential to track progress, target major sources, and close the investment gap.
Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Co-Convener of the Global Methane Pledge, said: “This report is a crucial assessment of our progress and a key indicator of the work that’s required to meet the Global Methane Pledge goal. In just four years, we have made improvements, but we must continue to drive faster, deeper methane cuts. Every tonne reduced brings us closer to cleaner air, more resilient communities, and a thriving global economy. It is important for all countries that have agreed to the Global Methane Pledge to continue to work closely together to drive momentum on methane mitigation, turning ambition into tangible benefits for the planet.”
Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, said: “The Global Methane Pledge has transformed ambition into tangible progress. Across sectors and continents, countries and companies are proving that methane reductions are achievable – and deliver cleaner air, stronger economies, and a safer climate. Our task now is to scale these solutions rapidly, working together to keep 1.5°C within reach and secure a healthier future for our people and our planet.”
Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, said: “Reducing methane emissions is one of the most immediate and effective steps we can take to slow the climate crisis while protecting human health. Reducing methane also reduces crop losses, essential for both agriculture productivity and food security. UNEP is committed to helping countries turn ambition into action to ensure the solutions in this report deliver real benefits for people and the planet.”
The choices made in the next five years will determine whether the world seizes this opportunity, unlocking cleaner air, stronger economies, and a safer climate for generations to come.
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
UNEP is at the forefront of methane emissions reduction in line with efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5˚C. UNEP works through two initiatives: the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) to bridge the gap between data, policy, and action to reduce methane emissions. Both initiatives support the implementation of the Global Methane Pledge, to which CCAC provides secretariat functions.
About Climate and Clean Air Coalition
The UNEP-Convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a voluntary partnership of over 200 governments, intergovernmental organizations, businesses, scientific institutions and civil society organizations committed to protecting the climate and improving air quality through actions to reduce the super pollutants which are short-lived in the atmosphere: methane, black carbon, tropospheric ozone and HFCs, through a practical, measures-based approach. The Coalition’s work is grounded in robust science and analysis and supported by a dedicated Trust Fund, which together have fostered high-level political commitment, in-country implementation, and tools that strengthen the case for action and accelerate action and results.
About the Global Methane Pledge
Launched at COP26 the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), co-convened by Canada and the European Union, now includes 159 countries and the European Commission, committed to cutting global methane emissions at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, a goal aligned with keeping 1.5°C within reach while improving health, food security, and economies. The GMP Champions Group, including Canada, the European Union, Germany, Japan, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, drives global advocacy and implementation.
Credit: UNEP Media
