Castles in the Sky: Revisiting the global methane pledge

Abstract

The entry into force of the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) signifies a pivotal shift in climate governance, elevating methane (CH₄) mitigation from a peripheral concern to a central global priority. While the GMP has significantly raised global ambition regarding CH₄ reduction, the growing number of participations has yet to close the gap between pledges and actual implementation. This discrepancy arises from interrelated challenges related to the strength of mitigation commitments, data accuracy, regulatory scope, and technological readiness. A review of CH₄ emissions inventories from 160 participants reveals that 77% lacked a 2020 baseline inventory, and the credibility of official data in several developed countries has also come under scrutiny. Most participants—including the European Union and the United States—have emphasized exploratory frameworks and policy rather than adopting concrete, quantitative reduction targets. Overall, CH₄ mitigation efforts remain in an early development phase. Their future effectiveness will hinge on progress in four key areas: stronger mitigation commitments, enhanced data transparency, more comprehensive regulatory structures, and the deployment of innovative technologies. These findings underscore the urgent need for both participants and non-participants to strengthen international cooperation and activate untapped mitigation potential. Elevating CH₄ reduction to a prominent position on the COP30 agenda and establishing a more binding framework for action will be crucial in the years ahead.