Following yesterday’s G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting organized by the French government, the Global Methane Hub released the below statement from CEO Marcelo Mena.
“Momentum around methane action grew at the G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting as global leaders recognized that reducing methane emissions is the single fastest way to lower rising temperatures and create healthier communities. By bringing together key stakeholders and laying the groundwork for COP31, events like these can light a spark that accelerates collaboration and actionable policy that benefits communities, economies, and environments around the world, as evidenced already by Libya, Pakistan, and Angola announcing their joining of the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0. Policies like the EU Methane Regulation prove that ambitious climate action is achievable — and as more countries look to follow suit, the opportunity to create lasting systemic change has never been greater.
It was here that the International Energy Agency released the Global Methane Tracker 2026, which includes their latest estimates that found methane emissions from the energy sector have hit near record highs. The report makes clear that despite progress on reduction efforts, much more needs to be done. Luckily, proven technologies and innovations in energy, agriculture, and waste management already exist that can significantly cut methane emissions while increasing productivity. Innovations like the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO)’s expansion of the Methane Alert and Response System into the coal and waste sectors will help paint a complete view of methane emissions around the world, pinpointing where and how we can cut emissions. The success of Nigeria’s gas flaring commercialization program can serve as a blueprint for other methane regulations across Africa, and the launch of IMEO’s Coal Methane Database will allow for unprecedented transparency and accountability for nearly 250 coal mines across the globe.
One of the most critical innovations in methane reduction strategies is increased data transparency, such as Carbon Mapper’s groundbreaking new methane detection technology. These new technologies end the era of self-reporting and finally allow policymakers, communities, academics, and advocates to verify methane emissions directly, identify solutions, track progress, and hold decision-makers accountable. With solutions in hand, the world now has the opportunity to accelerate adoption and scale what works.
At GMH, we are committed to build on this meeting’s progress by providing policymakers, government leaders, and other decision makers with key data, research, and insights that bolster their work to reduce methane pollution. We look forward to strengthening collaboration efforts and helping turn ambition into impact.”