The United Nations has renewed its call for urgent action to reduce methane emissions, describing the effort as one of the most effective strategies for slowing climate change in the near term.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that methane is responsible for roughly one-third of current global warming and described tackling the super-pollutant as “a climate battle we can win.” He stressed that cutting methane emissions offers one of the fastest and most cost-effective opportunities to limit rising global temperatures.
Methane is released from a range of sources, including oil and gas production, coal mining, agriculture, and waste management. Although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period than carbon dioxide, it has a significantly stronger warming effect over a 20-year timeframe, making rapid reductions particularly impactful.
The UN is urging governments and industry to detect and eliminate methane leaks, accelerate clean technology deployment, and fully implement existing international commitments. Beyond climate benefits, reducing methane emissions can also improve air quality, protect public health, and deliver economic gains.
According to the UN, immediate action on methane represents one of the clearest opportunities to slow global warming while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable energy transition.
