The second largest contributor to climate change after CO2, methane has a warming potential around 80 times higher over a twenty-year period. However, its shorter lifespan makes reducing it a source of “significant climate benefits in the short term,” highlighted the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its annual Global Methane Tracker report.
Odorless and invisible, methane is the molecule in natural gas that escapes from oil and gas infrastructure, agriculture, and landfills.
“I sincerely hope that the discussions we have today will enable us to unite our efforts to accelerate the implementation of effective solutions to reduce methane emissions,” said French Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barbut in her opening speech.
Nearly 160 countries have committed to reducing global emissions by 30% by 2030, but the world is still “very far” from the goal, according to the minister. Approximately 580 million tons are emitted annually, with 60% attributed to human activities, mainly agriculture, followed by energy, which receives the most attention.
The record production of oil, coal, and gas accounted for 35% of human-origin methane in 2025. With an estimated total of 124 million tons, emissions have remained at “very high levels,” noted the IEA, citing a “significant gap in implementation.”
In the oil and gas industry, methane leaks occur at valve or pipeline levels, or during deliberate degassing or inefficient flaring operations (incomplete gas combustion).
But “tackling these issues is within our reach,” assured Ms. Barbut.
Proven solutions like leak detection and repair or limiting routine flaring could help avoid 30% of emissions from fossil fuel-related activities, “at zero cost,” as the captured gas can be resold, according to the IEA.
Amid an energy crisis, “addressing methane could also” help “strengthen gas market security,” the agency emphasized.
“There would be more gas on the market if we eliminate this waste,” stated European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen. “Reducing methane and ensuring energy security are not competing priorities,” he said.
The U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, prompting Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz in response, causing a sharp drop in supply and a surge in prices.
According to the IEA, 20%, or about 110 billion cubic meters of global liquefied natural gas (LNG), passed through this strategic corridor in 2025.
However, it is close to double the amount, around 200 billion cubic meters of gas today, that could be annually recovered through a global effort to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations and eliminate non-emergency flaring. The IEA suggests that 15 billion cubic meters could be released quickly.
“Reducing methane emissions remains one of the best things we can do to slow down climate change while cleaning our air, improving public health, and enhancing our energy security,” stated British Energy Minister Ed Miliband in a video message.
Agriculture is also a significant source of methane emissions from cows and sheep, while rice cultivation creates ideal conditions for methane-producing bacteria as well. Open-air landfills also produce large quantities. “However, we must be clear: the energy sector currently offers the fastest and often most cost-effective reductions,” according to Ms. Barbut.
