Targeting methane emissions to mitigate the risk of climate overshoot

Governments need to act urgently to reduce methane emissions, which account for approximately 30% of current global warming. While carbon dioxide remains the main driver of long-term warming, methane’s high heat-trapping potential and short atmospheric lifetime means that controlling methane emissions can effectively slow temperature rise and reduce the risk of overshooting 1.5°C in the near term. This paper reviews the challenges and opportunities for reducing methane emissions across the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors, discussing available solutions, potential challenges to their implementation and evidence on their effectiveness.