Cutting methane slows warming fast

According to the UN, the majority of methane leaks identified by satellites — around 90% — are still not officially acknowledged by governments or oil and gas companies.

A new report from the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) notes that more than 17 satellites monitored 3,500 leaks, but only 12% of alerts received any response. This marks some progress compared with last year, when just 1% of alerts prompted action.

Experts say that while methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide, it is far more effective at trapping heat. As a result, reducing methane emissions is considered the fastest way to curb near-term climate warming.

In 2021, over 150 countries pledged to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

The report states that out of all the alerts, only 25 incidents led to immediate action to halt large-scale leaks.

Meanwhile, international investors with total assets of €4.5 trillion ($5.3 trillion) have urged the EU not to weaken methane regulations, warning that any relaxation aimed at boosting US LNG imports could seriously undermine climate goals.

IMEO head Giulia Ferrini said that current monitoring focuses mainly on the oil and gas sector, but in future, other major sources including metal production, waste, and agriculture will also be included.

Experts warn: “Tackling methane leaks is one of the most important steps that can be taken in the near term to slow climate warming.”

Copied