Overview
- UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition released the Global Methane Status Report in Belém, finding emissions continue to climb despite broader attention and nearly 160 pledge signatories.
- If countries fully implement their stated plans, methane emissions in 2030 would be about 8% below 2020 levels, well short of the Global Methane Pledge target of a 30% cut.
- Under existing legislation, projections range from essentially flat emissions to a further rise by 2030, with one analysis reported by DW citing an increase of about 5% versus 2020.
- About 72% of near-term mitigation potential lies in the energy sector, where low-cost steps such as leak detection and repair, reduced venting and flaring, and proper mine and well closures often lag without enforceable rules.
- Satellite monitoring has advanced, yet the UN reports nearly 90% of detected methane releases go unaddressed, spurring ministers at COP30 to call for mandatory action, stronger measurement and greater investment.