Methane Mitigation: A Critical Path to Climate Goals Ahead of Cop30
Teh urgency to curb global warming is intensifying, and a growing focus is being placed on methane – a potent greenhouse gas – as a key target for rapid emissions reductions. Experts believe that tackling methane offers the quickest, cheapest, and most direct route to slowing the pace of climate change, but significant challenges remain in translating pledges into concrete action, notably as international climate talks approach Cop30.
Methane is a particularly concerning contributor to warming, trapping significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over a shorter period.While CO₂ persists in the atmosphere for centuries,methane’s impact is more immediate. according to Durwood zaelke,a leading expert on the issue,swift action on methane is crucial to ”slow warming in time.”
A significant portion of methane emissions stems from the energy sector. Leaky oil and gas infrastructure is a major culprit, with abandoned coalmines representing another ample source. A recent International Energy Agency study highlighted that China’s coalmines alone account for roughly a tenth of global energy-related methane leaks – a “double whammy” of CO₂ from combustion and escaping methane,as explained by Drew Bledsoe.
Addressing these leaks is technologically feasible. Sabina Assan, a senior analyst at the thinktank Ember, emphasizes that the necessary technologies already exist, but require implementation by both companies and governments to effectively drive down emissions. Zaelke advocates for a global methane agreement mandating cuts and best practices across the energy industry, an idea championed by Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley. However, the prospect of such an agreement at Cop30 remains ”slim,” despite growing openness to discussions and recognition that the existing Global Methane Pledge isn’t delivering reductions quickly enough. Most countries that have submitted nationally steadfast contributions (NDCs) have included measures to address methane.
Beyond energy, agriculture, waste, and livestock contribute approximately 40% of human-made methane emissions and require attention. A report released last month by Foodrise, Friends of the Earth US, Greenpeace Nordic, and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy revealed that 45 of the world’s largest meat and dairy companies generated over 1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – exceeding the total emissions of Saudi Arabia.
Mitigation strategies in these sectors are available. Yushu Xia, an assistant research professor at columbia University, points to improved water, fertiliser, and soil management in rice production (given paddy fields are significant sources) and advancements in livestock feeding and breeding practices, including feed additives and potential gene editing, as viable solutions. Research, including a Swedish report from October 2023, has explored the potential of feeding seaweed to cows to reduce methane output, though this has also been subject to misinformation and conspiracy theories, as highlighted in a Febuary 2025 report.Xia adds that these improvements frequently enough yield additional benefits like improved soil health and reduced pollution.
However, experts like Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and agriculture at Friends of the Earth, argue that significant dietary shifts are also necessary, specifically reducing the high consumption of red meat prevalent in developed nations. She stresses the need for binding agricultural emissions targets, comprehensive supply-chain reporting, and support for a transition towards agroecology and more plant-based food systems if governments are serious about achieving climate goals.
The challenge now lies in translating awareness and available solutions into binding commitments and rapid implementation, particularly as the international community prepares for Cop30 and the critical need to accelerate climate action.
