A Turning Point for Methane: Leaders Move to Pull the Climate Emergency Brake at COP30

Brazil, China and the United Kingdom, with support from the COP30 Presidency, co-hosted a methane summit, bringing together representatives from Barbados, France, Germany, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The summit launched a set of landmark initiatives to accelerate global action on methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases - the fastest, most effective way to slow the pace of climate change and deliver immediate benefits for air quality, food security, and public health.

Together, these announcements signal a new era of cooperation, transparency and responsibility to cut methane and other non-CO2 gases through aligned regulation, fast mitigation, and fairer markets.

In their discussions, leaders underscored the urgent need to tackle the “other half” of climate change, including methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Leaders highlighted how countries are taking action both at home and internationally to accelerate reductions in methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, and reaffirmed that trust, partnership, and shared responsibility are essential to move faster together - a true mutirão for methane.

Marina Silva, Brazil’s Minister of the Environment and Climate, alongside the Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband, UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, announced the launch of a multi-year “Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator” under the CCAC, to fast-track deep reductions in methane and HFCs amongst others, across 30 developing countries by 2030. It will establish dedicated National Super Pollutant Units, modelled on the successful Montreal Protocol’s Ozone Units, to embed sustained action within government institutions.

The first cohort of seven countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Africa, will collectively receive an initial $25 million support package. The initiative aims to mobilize $150 million over its first phase and deliver coordinated, high-impact implementation aligned with national priorities for immediate benefits for public health, agriculture, and economic resilience, while reinforcing global momentum for near-term climate action.

The United Kingdom also announced a collective effort to significantly reduce methane emissions as a defining pillar of climate ambition, through a statement on Drastically Reducing Methane Emissions in the Global Fossil Fuel Sector. It outlines six actions to accelerate reductions across the oil and gas value chain, including robust measurement and verification, ending routine flaring and venting by 2030, supporting low- and middle-income producer countries, and establishing a panel of governments to develop a near-zero methane intensity marketplace, with progress to be reported in 2026. The United Kingdom and partners invited additional countries to endorse and implement the statement’s objectives.

“Short-lived greenhouse gases such as methane have a more powerful impact on global warming than CO₂, but remain in the atmosphere for a shorter time. Reducing their emissions gives us an opportunity to keep the planet’s average temperature within 1.5°C, decreasing the frequency, intensity, and impact of extreme weather events and protecting lives, especially those of the most vulnerable people. Today, the global ‘mutirão’ against methane gained crucial support with the launch of the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator, a joint initiative by Brazil and the United Kingdom”, said Marina Silva, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil.

Huang Runqiu, Minister of of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, said: “The summit not only underscores the critical role of controlling methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions in the global response to climate change but also encourages all parties to share the policies and actions they have taken in the emission reduction process. Climate change is a global challenge, and addressing it requires concerted efforts from the entire world.”

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Cutting methane and other non-CO₂ greenhouse gases is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow global warming and clean our air. The United Kingdom is proud to be at COP30 to work alongside our international partners to turn ambition into concrete action on tackling the climate crisis. The UK is leading the way through our Methane Action Plan which will drive real progress towards a safer, fairer, and cleaner future for our children and grandchildren.”

Barbados Ambassador, Liz Thompson stated: “Reducing global methane emissions is a matter of survival, social stability and economic sustainability for small islands.” Citing recent examples, including Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica two weeks ago causing an estimated USD 10 billion in damages, she emphasized the urgency of action. “We need oil and gas companies to recognize the importance of cutting methane emissions by stopping flaring and leaks. The countries gathered here can lead by example by controlling their domestic methane emissions, and over the next year, we must advance discussions so that COP31 can perhaps present a concrete proposal to initiate efforts that will lead to a legally binding agreement.

Ana Toni, CEO of COP30, highlighted that the upcoming climate conference will serve as a platform to showcase scalable solutions, demonstrate country leadership, and mobilize finance for rapid mitigation. “Lack of time is our biggest challenge, and reducing methane emissions is a critical solution that delivers the fastest results,” she said, calling on the global community to act together and inviting participants to engage in methane-focused initiatives throughout COP30, including the ministerial meeting.

Together, these announcements signal a new era of cooperation and accountability to cut methane and other non-CO2 gases through aligned regulation, fast mitigation, and fairer markets. By aiming to embed these efforts into global climate, trade, and development systems, leaders have turned commitment into implementation - taking a decisive step toward pulling the climate emergency brake.

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