Global Methane Pledge Newsletter - March 2025
We are pleased to share with you the latest news from the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) community, as well as information on opportunities for engagement and support.
Highlights
CCAC NDC Watch: Latest on Non-CO₂ Pollutants in National Climate Plans
Since the last Climate and Clean Air Coalition NDC Watch, three countries have submitted new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Maldives, Zambia and Cuba. The Paris Agreement does not require or specify how Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) should be integrated into NDCs, but there are multiple ways in which countries can include SLCPs in their NDC that can help to increase the climate and clean air benefits from its implementation. Targets, specific mitigation actions that reduce SLCPs, and outlining health and air quality benefits from NDC implementation can also demonstrate how a country can improve its own air quality and increase its climate change mitigation ambition. In addition, the strong overlap in sources of greenhouse gases and SLCPs mean that even where an NDC does not explicitly focus on SLCPs, the policies and measures identified to achieve an NDC in many cases will implicitly reduce SLCPs. This can lead to even larger climate and clean air benefits than a country may have intended without any additional effort.
To learn more about how to enhance inclusion of methane in your NDC, read our dedicated guidelines.
Climate and Clean Air Conference 2025
Over the three-day conference, discussions focused on integrating ambitious strategies to reduce super pollutants into updated national climate plans (NDCs 3.0) and moving from momentum to action. As we head towards COP30 later this year, addressing super pollutants alongside deep decarbonization must take center-stage.
A series of new initiatives and action-underpinning reports were launched throughout the week, demonstrating the strong momentum behind super pollutant mitigation efforts. These include the release of a CCAC Technology and Assessment Panel (TEAP) report assessing the potential of black soldier fly technology to cut methane emissions from organic waste and a new policy brief on digital extension services for livestock to help reduce methane from the livestock sector.
Subnational governments, who are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change and air pollution, reaffirmed their commitment to tackling super pollutants, with the governments of Belém, Fortaleza, and Rio de Janeiro, joining the Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-M) initiative, paired with the release of LOW-M’s new Data Guidance to support improved emissions tracking. This builds on the momentum of 62 countries signing the CCAC-supported COP29 Organic Waste Methane Declaration, which now represents over 50% of global waste methane emitters.
The CCAC, in partnership with Oxfam America, launched a landmark initiative to integrate gender equity into super pollutant mitigation strategies, recognizing the critical role of women in driving super pollutant solutions at the community level.
The Conference also advanced action across the CCAC’s six sectoral hubs — agriculture, heavy-duty vehicles and engines, waste, household energy, fossil fuels, and cooling. Cross-cutting sessions underscored the urgency of accelerating action on super pollutants ahead of COP30, while aligning climate and air quality policies for maximum benefits to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Our sincere thanks to the CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel, Global Methane Pledge Champions, and all participants from national governments, NGOs, philanthropies, and international organizations. A special thank you to our hosts, the Government of Brazil, for hosting this year’s Conference and raising the bar on ambitious action on super pollutants.
20th session of the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition
Discussions at the 20th session of the Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition (CMMJT) centered on the critical work of the Group and the imperative to move from reflection to future action.
Throughout the session, marking the 20th anniversary of the CMMJT, reflections on past achievements underscored the strong foundation built in methane emissions reduction and the evolving understanding of a just energy transition. Key milestones in mine safety, environmental standards, and addressing socio-economic impacts were highlighted. Looking ahead, new priorities were identified, including enhanced engagement with underrepresented stakeholders and the strengthening of international partnerships to mobilize resources for methane abatement and transition projects.
Subnational engagement and collaborative initiatives were a clear theme, with an emphasis on disseminating the Group's knowledge globally and tailoring just transition strategies to the specific needs of the ECE region. Cross-cutting discussions with the Expert Group on Resource Management further underscored the urgency of integrating resource management principles into equitable low-carbon energy transitions.
The session also advanced action across key areas, including safe mine operations and closure, and just transition planning. The election of a new Bureau signals continued commitment to these crucial goals. Our sincere thanks to the dedicated experts who have contributed over the past two decades. While significant progress has been made, continued collaboration is essential to ensure a sustainable and socially responsible energy future.
Upcoming events
2025 Champions of the Earth award
When: 1 April, 2025 – 30 April, 2025
What: The 2025 cycle of the Champions of the Earth nominations is open from 1 April – 30 April 2025. The 2025 award spotlights outstanding climate action focusing on solutions on methane, buildings and construction, sustainable cooling including energy efficiency, clean air, and forests.
News and Updates
Climate Group Becomes Subnational Methane Action Coalition Secretariat
The Subnational Methane Action Coalition (SMAC) assists governments in developing effective methane policies tailored to their specific circumstances, offering support in identifying solutions, monitoring emissions, deploying projects, and building model policies. By leveraging expert networks and promoting international collaboration, SMAC helps governments achieve global recognition and maximize the environmental and social benefits of methane action.
Thanks to support from the Global Methane Hub, the Climate Group will become the official SMAC secretariat. This will bring significant additional capacity and expertise to plan events, help members, and recruit new jurisdictions as our young coalition continues to evolve.
Media Digest
"Methane: The greenhouse gas you may not know but is making climate change worse"
Published by BBC News, March 4, 2025
An accessible explainer from the UK’s public broadcaster on methane’s outsized role in accelerating global warming, this piece describes the main sources of emissions and the urgent need to address them. The article highlights technological innovations and emerging global policies but emphasizes that many countries lack the resources or data to tackle methane effectively — underscoring the importance of international cooperation.
"Methane emissions are turbocharging climate change – these quick fixes could slow it down"
Published by The Conversation, March 5, 2025
This expert analysis explains why methane is such a powerful driver of near-term warming and outlines immediate actions that could slow its rise. The piece spotlights how targeted fixes in agriculture, waste, and energy can deliver fast climate benefits. It calls for greater political will, noting that while solutions are available, current global efforts are still falling far short of the needed pace.
"California launches first-of-its-kind methane satellite network project"
Published by CBS News, March 21, 2025
Highlighting a major new initiative, this article from a leading US-based outlet covers California's plan to deploy a statewide satellite network to track methane emissions with unprecedented precision. Officials aim to fill gaps in methane monitoring and accelerate enforcement, while positioning California as a global leader. The piece stresses that despite technological advances, regulatory follow-through and data transparency will be crucial to achieving real emissions cuts.
"Reducing emissions of super-pollutants would slam 'emergency brake' on global warming"
Published by Health Policy Watch, March 25, 2025
Focusing on public health and climate intersections, this article discusses how reducing super-pollutants could rapidly slow warming and save millions of lives. The piece stresses the health benefits of tackling methane and black carbon and calls for urgent global action to seize this opportunity, noting that failure to act risks locking in dangerous warming for decades.
"Cut super-pollutants to quickly mitigate climate change, experts warn"
Published by Forbes, March 27, 2025
Summarizing new expert warnings, this article from a leading US-based online publication emphasizes that targeting super-pollutants like methane offers one of the fastest ways to limit climate damage. The piece highlights key sectors where quick wins are possible but notes that current global strategies lack the urgency and scale required. It calls for stronger international collaboration and investment.
"US LNG exporters could hit methane snag in Europe"
Published by Reuters, March 28, 2025
This piece from a global US-based wire service explores how U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters could face new hurdles as European regulators tighten methane rules. It highlights growing pressure from European buyers for cleaner supply chains and stresses that U.S. companies may risk losing market share if they cannot credibly cut methane emissions. The article warns that stronger enforcement mechanisms are likely on the horizon.
"Methane and black carbon offer an 'emergency brake' for climate change"
Published by Bloomberg Opinion, April 2, 2025
This opinion piece published in a leading US-based publication and wire service argues that slashing emissions of "super-pollutants" like methane and black carbon could dramatically slow warming over the next two decades. It points to promising opportunities in the energy, agricultural, and waste sectors but stresses that meaningful action will require coordinated policies, financial incentives, and faster implementation globally.
Publications and Resources
CCAC TEAP Report: Transforming Organic Waste with Black Soldier Flies: A Guide for Decision-Makers, Entrepreneurs, and Implementers to Unlock the Organic Waste Potential of Black Soldier Fly Systems
The report provides an in-depth overview of the current landscape and potential of BSF technology as a sustainable solution for waste management, animal feed production, and circular economy practices. Developed in response to growing global challenges related to organic waste, food security, and sustainable agriculture, BSF technology has garnered increasing interest from policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and agricultural stakeholders alike. BSF bioconversion aligns closely with circular economy principles, offering greater efficiency and value than composting when used under favorable conditions.
LOW-Methane Data Strategy: Unlocking Action Through Waste and Methane Data
The LOW-Methane Data Strategy is designed to unlock action on methane mitigation from organic waste by improving data collection, analysis, and application. Methane emissions from organic waste account for approximately 10% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, making the waste sector a critical area for targeted mitigation efforts. However, data gaps and perceived financial risks have hindered effective action and investment. The strategy outlines a structured approach to data-driven decision-making in methane mitigation.
The geography factor: How environmental conditions shape methane monitoring from space
Satellites are transforming global methane monitoring, offering unprecedented insights and actionable data to support mitigation efforts. With a growing number of methane-sensing instruments in orbit, a diverse community—including NGOs, governments, and other sectors—are increasingly eager to integrate satellite data into their work. Ember and the Clean Air Task Force’s latest report serves as a resource for new users, helping them effectively utilise satellite data by identifying regions where environmental conditions may affect data coverage.
UNEP study: Major mine producing coal for steel production emits 3 to 8 times more than reported
Sponsored by UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), a new study highlights the promise of airborne measurements to verify emissions reporting for individual coal mines and support mitigation.
Scientists, including research partners from the University of Bremen and Airborne Research Australia, put this state-of-the-art tool to the test over a major coal mine in Australia’s Bowen Basin, which is home to much of the country’s metallurgical coal, used in steel production. They found the mine is emitting 3 to 8 times more than estimates based on widely used generic emission factors.
"We need precise, reliable data to guide our efforts to curb pollution and make sure we’re taking the necessary steps to slow climate change,” said Manfredi Caltagirone, the head of IMEO.
Accelerating Access to Clean Air on a Livable Planet
The number of people exposed to dangerously high level of air pollution could be halved by 2040 with targeted policy action, according to a new World Bank report. The report “Accelerating Access to Clean Air on a Livable Planet” highlights that changes to policies can help to cut the number of people exposed to high levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter). Globally, most outdoor air pollution comes from human activities, so policy changes across the sectors that cause air pollution, agriculture, urban development, transport, and industry, as well as residential cooking and heating can help reduce particulate matter in the air that is harmful to health. In some regions, desert dust contributes as a significant source of fine particulate matter.
FAO launches the LEAP Navigator: an AI solution for livestock environmental assessments
The FAO LEAP Navigator launched an AI-powered digital assistant that simplifies the use of the LEAP (Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance Partnership) technical guidelines for livestock environmental assessment. This tool transforms complex technical knowledge into accessible information, providing tailored recommendations and environmental impact analyses at various levels. By making scientific knowledge more accessible and fostering transparency, the LEAP Navigator promotes data-driven decisions for sustainable livestock management worldwide.
Scientific Papers Published by CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel Members
- Guarin, J.R. et al. (2024) Modeling the effects of tropospheric ozone on the growth and yield of global staple crops with DSSAT v4.8.0, Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 2547–2567, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-2547-2024 (Co-authored by SAP, Lisa Emberson)
- Thuy Huu Nguyen et al., (2024) Assessing the spatio-temporal tropospheric ozone and drought impacts on leaf growth and grain yield of wheat across Europe through crop modeling and remote sensing data, European Journal of Agronomy, Volume 153, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2023.127052 (Co-authored by SAP, Lisa Emberson)
