Assessing progress on methane reductions

Rapid reductions in methane emissions are critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Over 150 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. But to make emissions reductions 1.5°C compatible, modelled pathways show that faster and deeper cuts are needed — especially in the energy sector.

This project will track and assess progress in reducing methane emissions. It will begin by compiling and analysing national emissions data, targets, and policies for countries accounting for over 90% of global methane emissions — with a focus on the energy, agriculture and waste sectors. The project will then track year-on-year changes in emissions, targets, and policies to evaluate whether countries are increasing their ambition and making measurable progress to reduce emissions.

Finally, the project will compare this collective effort against the Global Methane Pledge and 1.5°C aligned pathways to determine whether current efforts are sufficient to achieve international climate goals.