Nigeria, UN Advance Methane Cuts Amid Global Efforts Lagging

Global efforts to reduce methane emissions are gaining attention but remain insufficient to meet climate targets, according to multiple reports and government initiatives. Nigeria has committed to reducing methane emissions by 60% from oil and gas operations by 2030 through updated policies and multi-sector action plans, emphasizing the importance of methane reduction for public health and climate goals. The UN Environment Programme highlights that despite increased data transparency and a tenfold rise in responses to methane leak alerts, nearly 90% of alerts remain unaddressed globally, indicating slow progress towards the 30% reduction pledge signed by over 150 countries. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential over 80 times that of carbon dioxide in the short term, is primarily emitted by oil, gas, coal industries, waste, and agriculture, making targeted mitigation in these sectors critical. Reports stress that while some progress has been made, such as increased company participation in methane measurement programs and electric vehicle adoption, overall climate action is lagging and off track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. This highlights an urgent need for accelerated and coordinated global responses to methane emissions and broader climate challenges to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.