The climate crisis is a complex and urgent issue, and one of the key factors in addressing it is the regulation of methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significant impact on global warming, with 1 tonne causing 80 times more warming than 1 tonne of carbon dioxide over 20 years. The International Energy Agency's recent report highlights a concerning implementation gap in current methane policies, emphasizing the need for urgent action. While there is a growing interest in methane regulation, with around 20% of policies issued in 2024 and 2025, the implementation and enforcement remain weak. The analysis by Oxford University's Climate Policy Monitor reveals a worrying trend of backsliding, particularly in the US, where the Environmental Protection Agency delayed methane regulations for oil and gas facilities. However, there are signs of hope at the global level, with more than half of recent methane policies emerging in African and Latin American jurisdictions. The focus on energy sector methane regulation has led to some success, with Japan successfully reducing methane emissions by 40% between 1990 and 2022. However, the management of agricultural methane remains a global blindspot, with fewer than half of the 100 methane policies targeting agriculture specifically. This imbalance suggests governments continue to prioritize tackling energy-sector methane while overlooking agricultural emissions. The lack of ambition in methane regulation extends to the agri-food sector, with only three of the largest dairy and coffee companies having a target to reduce methane emissions by 2030. The Climate Policy Monitor's annual review highlights the need for a more holistic approach, including dietary changes in developed countries, primarily through cutting beef and dairy consumption. This could be transformative in putting an emergency brake on climate change. In conclusion, while there are signs of progress, the overall global trend is moving towards stronger climate policies. With strong policy and enforcement, there is still a chance for the world to get to grips with methane emissions and address the climate crisis.
