Countries have a major opportunity to turn methane pledges into action

There are many ways to incorporate clear and actionable methane mitigation measures in the next round of NDCs, including to:

Boost measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) of methane emissions. Enhanced MMRV can uncover high emitting sources and make it possible to demonstrate progress against reduction targets. For example, Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, is working with international partners to achieve measurement-based, Level 5 reporting under the UN Environment Programme's OGMP 2.0 framework for the oil and gas industry. Measured data is also important to underpin robust national methane inventories.

Introduce tried-and-tested policies. Many methane reduction policies and regulations can be introduced even before a baseline level of emissions is established. These include tried-and-tested policies such as leak detection and repair, equipment mandates, and limits to non-emergency flaring and venting. Nigeria and Colombia have both recently established technical guidelines in these areas.

Detect and respond to super emitters. Large leaks can be detected by optical gas imaging cameras, satellites and fly-over campaigns using drones or aircraft. The United States issued a final rule this year that would require companies to respond to emissions events after they are notified of them. Other countries, including Argentina, Iraq and Turkmenistan, have designated focal points to receive notifications under the International Methane Emissions Observatory's Methane Alert and Response System.

Establish sectoral reduction measures. Separate measures on reducing methane from each sector can send signals to help companies and consumers anticipate requirements and plan accordingly. Canada's Methane Strategy outlined individual emissions reduction measures for its oil and gas, agriculture and waste sectors. This set the stage for subsequent regulatory action aimed at achieving a 75% emissions reduction from the oil and gas sector by 2030.