UNEP Global Methane Report 2025 Highlights Rising Emissions

UNEP’s 2025 Methane Report Sounds Alarm on Growing Emissions

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), together with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), has released the Global Methane Status Report 2025, warning that the world is not on track to meet the 2030 methane-reduction goal. Published during COP30, the report highlights that although actions have increased in recent years, they remain far below what is needed to curb global warming effectively.

Methane Levels Rising Faster Than Expected

The assessment shows global methane emissions were nearly 352 million tonnes in 2020 . With current policies, emissions could climb to around 369 million tonnes by 2030 , driven mostly by agriculture, waste management, and fossil fuel operations. The internationally agreed target of reducing methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels appears increasingly difficult unless countries speed up sector-wide reforms.

Progress, Commitments and What’s Needed

Since 2021, several nations have included methane-specific strategies in their national climate plans. If all existing pledges are met, global emissions may decline by only 8% by 2030—far below the required threshold. UNEP estimates that fully deploying cost-effective and readily available measures could achieve a 32% reduction , sufficient to meet the Global Methane Pledge.

Sector-Wise Mitigation Potential

The energy sector offers the quickest and most affordable reductions through leak detection, flaring controls, methane capture, and pipeline upgrades. The waste sector , through landfill gas recovery and organic waste separation, can deliver steady long-term gains. Agriculture , responsible for the largest share, remains the hardest to reform due to slow adoption of practices like improved feed, breeding, and water-efficient rice cultivation.

Need for Accurate Data and Financial Support

The report emphasises that methane monitoring remains inconsistent, especially in oil and gas operations. UNEP calls for strong measurement systems, transparent reporting, and increased climate finance, noting that current investment levels fall far short of what is needed for meaningful global mitigation.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Methane contributes about one-third of global warming .

• Emissions in 2020: 352 million tonnes .

• Agriculture share: 42% of global methane emissions .

• Energy-sector measures can achieve over 72% of feasible reductions by 2030 .

• Current pledges = 8% reduction , while feasible measures = 32% reduction .