The battle against climate change is far from over, and one of the key weapons in our arsenal is methane policy. While the world grapples with the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency's recent report highlights a critical issue: the global implementation gap in methane policies. This gap is a ticking time bomb, as methane emissions continue to rise, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a warming potential 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. This makes it an emergency brake for climate change, and yet, the world is failing to apply the necessary brakes. The UN has repeatedly emphasized the importance of controlling methane emissions, but the reality is that current policies are not being effectively implemented.
One of the most concerning findings is the lack of mandatory methane policies in key emitting countries. India and Indonesia, for instance, account for over 12% of global methane emissions, yet they have no identifiable methane policies. This is a critical oversight, as these countries are major contributors to the climate crisis. The analysis by Oxford University's Climate Policy Monitor reveals a worrying trend: only around one-third of methane policies are mandatory, and four countries have no policies at all.
The report also highlights the continued interest in methane regulation, with around 20% of policies issued in 2024 and 2025. However, implementation and enforcement remain weak. Over two-thirds of policies show little sign of being implemented, and the lack of sanctions for non-compliance is a major issue. This is particularly concerning in the oil and gas sector, where methane is burned off or leaks from faulty pipes.
Japan stands out as a leader in robust policymaking on fossil methane. Their Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures (1998) mandates public disclosure of facility-level emissions and third-party verification of emission inventories. As a result, Japan has successfully reduced methane emissions by around 40% between 1990 and 2022. This is a shining example of how effective policy can make a significant difference.
However, the report also reveals a global blindspot when it comes to agricultural methane emissions. Agriculture is the largest human source of methane emissions, accounting for around 40% of total emissions, primarily from cow burps. Yet, fewer than half of the identified methane policies target agriculture specifically. This imbalance suggests that governments are prioritizing energy-sector methane while overlooking agricultural emissions.
The lack of ambition in methane regulation extends to the agri-food sector. Only three of the largest dairy and coffee companies have a target to reduce methane emissions by 2030, according to the Changing Markets Foundation. This is a missed opportunity, as dietary changes in developed countries, particularly through cutting beef and dairy consumption, could be transformative in addressing climate change. Such shifts would also have co-benefits for the environment and public health.
The report also highlights a trend of backsliding by the US, which delayed methane regulations for oil and gas facilities in 2025. However, there are signs of hope at the global level, with more than half of recent methane policies emerging in African and Latin American jurisdictions. This demonstrates how developing and emerging economies are prioritizing climate action through rule-making based on their distinct contexts.
Despite these challenges, the overall global trend is moving towards stronger climate policies. With strong policy and enforcement, there is still a chance for the world to get to grips with methane emissions. The battle against climate change is far from over, but with the right policies and commitment, we can make significant progress. It's time to step up and take action, as the future of our planet depends on it.
