Methane Emissions: A Critical Challenge for Climate Action and India's Strategy

The Urgency of Methane in Climate Change

Methane has emerged as a pressing issue in the global battle against climate change. Although it lingers in the atmosphere for a significantly shorter duration than carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane is far more effective at trapping heat, thereby contributing substantially to the increase in global temperatures.

The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Global Methane Status Report 2025, unveiled at the COP30 summit, underscores the alarming rate at which methane emissions are escalating and emphasizes the need for immediate global action. For countries like India—ranked among the largest methane emitters in the world—the findings of this report hold substantial environmental, economic, and policy ramifications.

Grasping the implications of methane, the international policy framework, and India's role is crucial not only for climate discourse but also for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations who need to stay informed about contemporary environmental issues.

What is Methane?

Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide (CO₂) in its contribution to global warming. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that methane is accountable for approximately 30 percent of the temperature increase observed globally since the Industrial Revolution.

Potent Heat-Trapper

Over a span of 20 years, methane is more than 80 times as effective as CO₂ in trapping heat. This characteristic makes it a short-lived yet impactful pollutant in the context of climate change.

Shorter Lifespan in Atmosphere

While CO₂ can persist in the atmosphere for centuries, methane typically breaks down within about 12 years. This relatively brief lifespan makes it a prime candidate for climate action, promising swift benefits through mitigation efforts.

Key Findings of the Global Methane Status Report 2025

Released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) during the COP30 summit, the report reveals several critical trends regarding methane emissions.

Emissions Are Rising

• Human-induced methane emissions are on the rise, with the energy sector alone emitting 120 million tonnes in 2023.
• If current trends persist, methane emissions could increase by 13 percent by 2030 and 56 percent by 2050.

This potential increase poses a severe threat to the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.

Main Sources of Methane Emissions

Globally, approximately 600 million tonnes of methane are released annually, with around 60 percent stemming from human activities. The primary sources include:

• Agriculture – Responsible for 42 percent of emissions, particularly from livestock, rice cultivation, and manure management.
• Energy Production – Emissions from the oil, gas, and coal sectors.
• Waste Management – Emissions from landfills and wastewater treatment.

What is the Global Methane Pledge?

Introduced at COP26 in 2021 by the European Union and the United States, the Global Methane Pledge aims to reduce global methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. As of November 2025, 159 countries have pledged their commitment.

India’s Stand on Methane Emissions

Third Largest Emitter

India ranks as the third-largest methane emitter globally, following China and the United States, contributing nearly 9 percent of global methane emissions.

Why India Has Not Signed the Pledge

India has opted not to join the Global Methane Pledge for several significant reasons:

• Focus on CO₂: India argues that long-term strategies should prioritize carbon dioxide, rather than short-lived gases like methane.
• Agriculture Dependency: A considerable portion of India's methane emissions comes from agriculture, particularly small-scale farming that sustains millions of livelihoods.
• Food Security: Mandatory methane targets could negatively impact crop production and farmer incomes.
• National Sovereignty: India prefers to manage its climate obligations through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, rather than through external commitments.

Methane Reduction Measures in India

Despite not joining the pledge, India is actively pursuing domestic measures to mitigate methane emissions through various initiatives.

The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promotes climate-resilient farming practices aimed at reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation.