UNEP’s new report says global methane emissions are rising more slowly, but current national plans would deliver only an 8% cut from 2020–2030 — far below the 30% target in the Global Methane Pledge signed by 150+ countries. The report notes that low-cost measures (leak detection and repair, sealing abandoned wells, landfill capture and improved farming methods) could deliver most reductions. The energy sector offers the largest savings potential, and rapid methane cuts can bring near-term climate benefits.
UNEP: Methane Emissions Slow but Nations Still Far From 2030 Targets
UNEP’s new report says global methane emissions are rising more slowly, but current national plans would deliver only an 8% cut from 2020–2030 — far below the 30% target in the Global Methane Pledge signed by 150+ countries. The report notes that low-cost measures (leak detection and repair, sealing abandoned wells, landfill capture and improved farming methods) could deliver most reductions. The energy sector offers the largest savings potential, and rapid methane cuts can bring near-term climate benefits.
03:46 PM, 11/18/2025Environment
UNEP: Methane emissions rise more slowly, but countries remain off track
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warned on Monday that although global methane emissions are increasing more slowly than previously expected, countries remain widely off track to meet agreed 2030 reduction goals. The finding was published in a UNEP report released during the UN climate summit in Belém.
Current outlook: Under existing national climate plans, methane emissions are projected to fall by about 8% between 2020 and 2030 — the steepest decline on record, but far short of the ambition required.
The Global Methane Pledge: More than 150 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge (launched by the EU and the US at COP26 in Glasgow), which aims for a 30% cut by 2030. Achieving that target could reduce projected warming by at least 0.2°C by 2050.
How reductions can be delivered: UNEP emphasizes that much of the necessary reduction is achievable through relatively low-cost, practical measures. Key options include faster detection and repair of gas leaks, sealing abandoned oil and gas wells, capturing methane from landfills, improving waste management, and adopting changes to rice cultivation and other agricultural practices.
Sectors with the biggest potential: The report identifies the energy sector as offering the largest methane savings potential, followed by waste management and agriculture.
Why methane matters: Methane is the second-largest driver of global warming after carbon dioxide. It is more than 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year timeframe, but it typically remains in the atmosphere for roughly 12 years before breaking down — meaning rapid cuts can yield near-term climate benefits.
Bottom line: UNEP’s analysis shows that meeting existing pledges would require scaling up proven, cost-effective actions now. Accelerated policy action and deployment of detection and mitigation technologies across energy, waste and agriculture are essential to close the gap toward the 2030 goal.