Global Methane Explorer

A comprehensive dashboard for methane emissions, targets and policies

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and a major driver of near-term warming. Achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target requires not only deep and sustained reductions in carbon dioxide – halving global emissions by 2030 – but also sharp declines in methane emissions. Pathways consistent with 1.5°C indicate that global methane emissions must decrease by 34% by 2030 and 40% by 2035, with even deeper cuts in the energy sector. Rapid methane reductions, alongside ambitious carbon dioxide mitigation, are therefore essential to limit near-term warming as close as possible to 1.5°C.

Methane’s critical role in tackling climate change is gaining global attention. Over 150 countries have signed the Global Methane Pledge, a voluntary commitment launched at COP26 to cut global methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. The urgency of methane action was further reinforced by the Global Stocktake at COP28, which called for accelerated and substantial methane reductions by 2030. Despite this momentum, methane emissions continue to rise. Achieving the 1.5°C goal will require governments to move beyond pledges to concrete action.

This platform tracks national methane emissions, targets, and policies for countries responsible for 90% of this greenhouse gas. By providing accessible, up-to-date data and analysis, it enables users to monitor progress, identify gaps, and support urgent, evidence-based action to accelerate methane mitigation worldwide.