Methane Tracker Reveals Emissions Trends and Reduction Options

Methane may not make headlines as often as carbon dioxide, but it is one of the most urgent climate challenges of our time.

The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled since pre-industrial times, driven primarily by human activities. It is a potent greenhouse gas—about 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the short term. Unlike CO₂, it has a relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere, which means that cutting methane emissions can deliver rapid climate benefits.

After carbon dioxide, methane is the second most significant human-driven greenhouse gas, accounting for roughly 11% of global emissions.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its latest Methane Tracker report in May 2025, analysing global energy-sector emissions for 2024. The findings show that atmospheric methane concentrations have more than doubled since pre-industrial times—and despite available solutions and increasing public support, methane emissions remain stubbornly high.

Since the Industrial Revolution, methane has been responsible for roughly 30% of the rise in global temperatures. Because it is such a potent greenhouse gas, reducing methane emissions is critical not only for slowing near-term warming but also for improving air quality worldwide.

The 2025 update introduces several new features, including historical emissions data by country and an interactive tool to track international methane initiatives. For the first time, the report also accounts for emissions from abandoned fossil fuel sites, with inactive oil and gas wells and coal mines releasing an estimated eight metric tonnes of methane in 2024.

In addition, bioenergy use—particularly traditional biomass for cooking and heating in developing countries—contributed around 20 metric tonnes of methane emissions due to incomplete combustion.

The report also highlights regional trends, policy developments, and strategies to overcome barriers to methane abatement.

Here are some key findings from the report:

1. Energy-related methane emissions have yet to reach a definitive peak.

Human-caused methane emissions account for nearly one-third of methane emissions. The record production of oil, gas, and coal, combined with limited mitigation efforts, has kept emissions above 120 million tonnes (Mt) annually. However, solutions that lower methane emissions from fossil fuels to near-zero levels already exist, and they could be deployed today at little to no cost.

2. Methane emissions are widely underreported.

Most countries use little to no measurement to report methane emissions, which is part of the problem because country reporting tends to be lower than the reported emissions from satellites and other scientifically based measurements. The report’s estimates, based on recent studies and data, indicate that global energy-related methane emissions are approximately 80% higher than the figures reported by countries to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

3. Methane data is improving, but there’s still room for improvement, even with some uncertainty about emissions levels.

Countries and companies are working to produce better methane data. When Canada updated its methods, it had an over 35% increase in reported fugitive emissions from oil and gas. In 2024, some oil and gas companies achieved the highest reporting standards set by the UN’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0).

4. Satellites are providing new insights into the scale and nature of methane emissions.

There are over 25 satellites in orbit today that can track and measure methane emissions. In 2024, advanced and highly sensitive satellites, including MethaneSAT and Tanager-1, will provide more detailed data on methane levels.

5. Methane pledges cover around 80% of global oil and gas production, but implementation remains weak.

Several large emitters have not yet set targets for cutting methane emissions. Most companies are following the lead of governments, with only 5% of global production covered by voluntary pledges. While it is essential to set targets, the primary focus should be on implementing existing commitments to reduce emissions. 

Regulators can learn from jurisdictions that have successfully implemented policies, companies can share their best practices, and financiers can support efforts to reduce methane emissions. Transparent data will benefit everyone involved.

6. A concerted effort to limit methane emissions could make nearly 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas available to markets.

Reducing methane emissions could produce nearly 100 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas available to markets. Cutting down on methane release and flaring would enhance energy security and balance supply and demand. In 2024, the global fossil fuel sector emitted around 200 billion cubic metres of methane.

While this could not be all captured and used as energy, the report notes that around 100 bcm could have been made available to the markets. A further 150 bcm of natural gas, which is currently flared globally each year, could also potentially be made available to the market.

7. Rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions are essential for limiting global warming.

Implementing specific solutions in the fossil fuel industry could avoid about 0.1°C of temperature rise by 2050.

8. Around 70% of methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector could be avoided using current technology, often at a low cost.

This involves upgrading equipment – replacing those that are designed to emit, like switching from wet to dry compressor seals and using vapour recovery units to capture methane. For coal, emissions can be reduced by utilising methane from coal mines or through flaring and oxidation.

The report estimates that around 35 million tons of methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal could be avoided without extra cost, mainly due to lower gas prices and the inclusion of abandoned facilities in the estimates. This is because the cost of implementing these solutions is less than the value of the methane that is captured and can be sold or used.

9. Methane emissions reduction in the oil and gas industry can provide high returns on investment.

While some methods have a high initial cost and require new infrastructure to transport captured gas, these investments can be realised within a year. Around 30% of the industry’s emissions could be reduced through solutions that offer returns exceeding 25%, which is significantly higher than the typical returns investors expect in this sector.

10. Abandoned facilities emit more methane than some of the largest fossil fuel producers

Abandoned fossil fuel facilities – around 8 million worldwide constitute a significant source of methane emissions because they were not appropriately decommissioned or sealed well and will continue to emit methane for many years. These abandoned oil and gas wells emitted nearly 5 Mt of methane in 2024, and abandoned oil and gas wells released just over three metric tonnes. Combined, these sources would be the world’s fourth-largest emitter of fossil fuel methane.

11. Lack of access to clean cooking is a leading cause of premature death worldwide and a major cause of methane emissions

Over 2 billion people lack clean cooking options, mainly in developing countries in Africa and Asia, leading to nearly 3 million premature deaths each year, affecting women and children the most. Providing everyone with access to modern, clean cooking facilities would improve equality, health, and the economy, and significantly reduce methane emissions.

12. Natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than coal throughout its entire lifecycle.

On average, it results in about 35% fewer emissions than coal, and more than 95% of natural gas used in 2024 had lower emissions than coal. When generating electricity, gas has an even bigger advantage because gas-fired power plants are more efficient than coal-fired plants.

Seizing the Moment

The IEA’s latest findings underscore a critical truth: we already have the tools to slash methane emissions—and doing so could yield immediate climate benefits, improve public health, and even boost energy security.

With cost-effective technologies available, abandoned sites leaking methane into the atmosphere, and millions still relying on polluting biomass for cooking, decisive action is both a moral and practical necessity.

Tackling methane isn’t just about climate targets; it’s about seizing a rare opportunity for rapid impact in the fight against global warming. The time to act is now.

Download and read the full report by browsing the link in the “Source” section below.