By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : November 19, 2025 1:36 pm
The report underscores that the solutions needed to close this gap are proven, readily available, and cost-effective
A new Global Methane Status Report, launched at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, reveals that while action on methane has increased, emissions continue to rise, and current commitments are insufficient to meet global climate goals. The report stresses that action must accelerate to achieve the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) goal of cutting emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
The report provides the clearest evaluation to date of global advancements and remaining gaps in reducing methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for nearly one-third of today’s warming. It shows that although emissions continue to rise, the outlook has improved compared with earlier forecasts.
New waste regulations in Europe and North America, combined with slower growth in natural gas markets between 2020 and 2024, have contributed to lower projected methane emissions under current legislation.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Methane Action Plans submitted by mid-2025 also indicate the potential for an 8 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2020 levels—an outcome that would represent the largest and most sustained decline in methane emissions in history.
However, the report stresses that reaching the Global Methane Pledge target requires rapid scaling of maximum technically feasible reductions across the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors.
The report underscores that the solutions needed to close this gap are proven, readily available, and cost-effective. Measures such as leak detection and repair programmes, plugging abandoned oil and gas wells, improving water management in rice cultivation, and expanding the separation and treatment of organic waste offer enormous potential.
More than 80 per cent of the possible emissions reductions by 2030 can be achieved at low cost, with the energy sector alone accounting for 72 per cent of the mitigation potential. Full implementation of these measures could prevent over 180,000 premature deaths and avert 19 million tonnes of crop losses every year by 2030.
Notably, all fossil fuel–related methane mitigation could be achieved at just 2 per cent of the sector’s 2023 income.
Major economies remain central to global success, with 72 per cent of methane mitigation potential concentrated in G20+ countries. Stronger measurement, transparent reporting, and improved financing are essential to identify major emission sources, close remaining gaps, and accelerate progress.
Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Co-Convener of the Global Methane Pledge, emphasized the urgency of action. “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,” she said. “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.”
Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, highlighted the tangible results already achieved. “The Global Methane Pledge has transformed ambition into tangible progress,” he said. “Countries and companies across sectors and continents are proving that methane reductions are achievable and deliver cleaner air, stronger economies, and a safer climate. Our task now is to rapidly scale these solutions to keep 1.5°C within reach.”
Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, stressed the immediate benefits of methane reduction. “Reducing methane emissions is one of the most effective steps we can take now to slow the climate crisis while protecting human health,” she said. “UNEP is committed to helping countries turn ambition into action to ensure these solutions deliver real benefits for people and the planet.”
As global leaders gather at COP30, the choices made in the next five years will determine whether the world seizes this opportunity to secure cleaner air, strengthened economies, and a safer climate for future generations.