Karmactive Staff
A new study shows methane levels remain high globally, though the annual growth rate has fluctuated in recent years. Global trade now fuels about 30% of all methane emissions, with Asia and Pacific regions becoming the biggest contributors. The research team from Birmingham and Groningen Universities tracked methane across 164 countries, giving us the clearest picture yet of this powerful heat-trapping gas.
“Cutting methane today brings immediate benefits,” says Professor Yuli Shan, who led the study. “We need global teamwork, especially in developing regions where emissions are growing fastest.”
What makes methane so dangerous? It traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after release. This gas alone has caused about 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times.
The study points to changing trade patterns as a major culprit. Developing countries are joining global markets but often lack the cleaner technologies used in wealthier nations.
Only developed countries have managed to cut methane while growing their economies, mainly through better technology. Since 1998, the world has improved methane efficiency by 67%, showing progress is possible.
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Beyond heating the planet, methane creates ground-level ozone—a harmful air pollutant. This ozone kills about one million people worldwide each year and causes crop losses worth tens of billions of dollars, depending on the study.
The researchers highlight four urgent priority areas: fertilizer production, finding and fixing gas leaks, improving livestock feed, and better waste management. Eating less red meat would also help lower emissions.
The Global Methane Pledge, launched in 2021 by the EU and US, aims to cut global methane by 30% before 2030. So far, 159 countries have joined this effort.
New satellites are revolutionizing how we spot methane leaks. Companies like GHGSat have launched specialized satellites that can detect leaks as small as 100 kg/hr, often pinpointing exactly which equipment is causing the problem.
“This research gives policymakers a roadmap,” notes Professor Klaus Hubacek. “It’s not just about where emissions happen, but why—we need to look at the entire supply chain.”
Reducing methane offers a rare win-win opportunity. Since it breaks down in about 12 years (compared to centuries for carbon dioxide), cutting methane now brings quick climate benefits. A ~45% global cut could prevent about 255,000 premature deaths yearly and save around 26 million tonnes of crops.
For everyday people, this means supporting methane-cutting policies, choosing foods that produce fewer emissions, and managing waste properly. With global cooperation, tackling methane represents one of our fastest and most effective tools for fighting climate change while protecting public health and food security.
For everyday people, this means supporting methane-cutting policies, choosing foods that produce fewer emissions, and managing waste properly. With global cooperation, tackling methane represents one of our fastest and most effective tools for fighting climate change while protecting public health and food security.
