Despite a surge in satellite-detected methane leaks, only about 12% of alerts are being acted upon by companies and governments, according to a new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released on 22 October 2025.
Methane, a greenhouse gas with 80 times the warming potential of CO₂ over 20 years, is responsible for roughly one-third of global warming. UNEP warns that failing to respond to major leaks undermines global climate goals, even as detection capabilities improve.
Key Findings from the Report:
- The Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), launched in 2022, uses satellite data to detect invisible, odorless methane leaks from oil and gas operations.
- In the past year, the percentage of alerts that triggered action rose from 1% to 12%, but this remains far below what’s needed.
- UNEP aims to cut human-caused methane emissions by 45% by 2030, one of the most cost-effective ways to slow climate change.
- MARS is now expanding to monitor emissions from coal mines, waste sites, and the steel industry, where data has been scarce.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized that “reducing methane emissions can quickly bend the curve on global warming,” but stressed that improved reporting must lead to real-world mitigation.
She urged companies to join the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, the global standard for methane measurement and reduction, especially as the EU prepares stricter regulations for fossil fuel imports.
The report also highlighted that low-cost solutions exist for reducing methane from coal-based steel production, but these remain underutilized in decarbonization strategies.
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