Data-Driven Response to Rising Methane Emissions

The Rise of Methane Mitigation: A Global Shift

Global efforts to reduce methane emissions are showing significant progress, with a marked increase in how governments and industries respond to major methane leaks. This momentum is crucial for achieving climate goals, as methane remains one of the most potent greenhouse gases.

A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), titled An Eye on Methane: From Measurement to Momentum, highlights this growing awareness. According to the report, response rates to satellite-detected methane leaks have increased tenfold in just one year. This improvement indicates that both accountability and action are becoming more prevalent.

The report details how government and company responses to over 3,500 alerts from IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) rose from 1% in 2024 to 12% in 2025. These alerts use satellite monitoring and AI-supported analysis to identify significant methane leaks. The data shows that the world is moving toward a more transparent and responsive approach to methane emissions.

Key Developments in Methane Mitigation

One of the key initiatives driving this change is the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0). This partnership has become the world’s most rigorous methane reporting standard, covering 42% of global oil and gas production. Over the past five years, the number of member companies has grown from 70 to 153 across 60 countries.

Among the companies participating in OGMP 2.0, 65 firms representing 17% of global oil and gas production have achieved the “Gold Standard,” meaning their methane emissions are measured using real-world data rather than estimates. Another 50 companies, accounting for 15% of global output, are on track to reach the same benchmark soon.

This improved transparency is helping to shape stronger regulations and market accountability. For example, the European Union has used OGMP 2.0 data to develop new methane regulations, ensuring cleaner imports into the EU market.

Expanding the Scope of Methane Monitoring

While the focus has primarily been on the oil and gas sector, IMEO is now expanding its efforts to include steelmaking and waste management, where methane emissions remain largely unmonitored. The Steel Methane Programme targets metallurgical coal, a hidden source of emissions that contributes roughly one-quarter to the climate footprint of steel.

According to IMEO, these emissions could be mitigated at just 1% of the cost of steel production. The programme will soon launch a Steel Methane Transparency Database, combining satellite data, industry reporting, and scientific studies to improve accountability in the steel sector.

The Path Forward

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Out of all the alerts issued, 88% still go unanswered. However, UNEP emphasizes that the system is working and can be scaled across sectors. The next phase of UNEP’s work will focus on transforming this data into real cuts in emissions.

“Progress on reporting must translate into real cuts to emissions,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Every company should join OGMP 2.0, and both governments and operators must respond to satellite alerts — then they must act to reduce emissions.”

Since its inception, IMEO has supported 46 peer-reviewed studies across six continents, helping close knowledge gaps and test new methane detection technologies. These findings are now guiding national emission inventories and supporting country-level mitigation plans, including in agriculture and waste management.

For UNEP, the solutions are already available — it’s now about scaling them up. “Better data is driving better action,” Andersen said. “We’ve proven what works. Now, the challenge is to make it universal — every leak fixed, every tonne of methane avoided.”

With stronger partnerships, improved transparency, and rapid-response systems like MARS, UNEP says the tools to curb methane are no longer theoretical. What’s working is clear — the next step is ensuring everyone uses it.