Now’s the chance for the UK to make its mark and be bold on methane  – Inside track

Catastrophic flooding in Spain and recent hurricane events in the US are just the latest extreme weather events indicating the urgent need for more climate action. Recent scientific evidence underscores that we must now act decisively. Among the greenhouse gases, methane stands out as critical to deal with. This potent gas traps heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide in the short term, making it one of the most pressing targets for global warming reduction this decade. 

The UK has had a reputation in the past as an international climate leader. It was the first nation to bring in a Climate Change Act and is the first G7 economy to move away from coal power. More recently this reputation has suffered with significant rollbacks by the previous government.  

While much of the climate conversation centres on carbon dioxide, methane is being left to do major harm. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), cutting methane emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 could prevent nearly 0.3°C of warming by the 2040s. Importantly this could delay immediate warming and help to avert dangerous climate tipping points. 

COP29 is the chance for the UK to be a climate trailblazer
The COP29 climate summit, commencing today, has been dubbed the ‘Finance COP’, marking the first time in 15 years that representatives from every country will gather to set a new global climate finance target. As such, it’s a pivotal moment for nations to signal their intent to raise their ambitions to cut emissions, strengthen their adaptation actions, show their progress and, vitally, pledge additional financial and technical support for those countries grappling with the severe impacts of climate change. 

This COP gathering is significant for the UK government. It’s a chance for it to make its mark and demonstrate bold climate leadership on the world stage. With methane reduction high on the agenda, it’s a unique opportunity to re-establish the UK as a trailblazer. 

Efforts are gaining momentum
Efforts to address methane emissions are beginning to gain momentum around the world. The EU is taking strides to introduce new regulations targeting methane emissions from oil and gas production, also establishing import standards to lower emissions. In Denmark, innovative approaches such as subsidising methane-reducing feed additives for livestock and the world’s first emissions tax for agriculture are setting precedents for sustainable farming. 

Meanwhile, the US has mobilised substantial resources through President Biden’s Methane Finance Sprint. These initiatives highlight recognition of the urgent need to tackle methane emissions and provide a framework for co-ordinated action. 

The UK must follow through on its Global Methane Pledge
Co-ordination is taking place through the Global Methane Pledge, spearheaded by the US and the EU, aiming for a 30 per cent reduction in methane emissions by 2030. The UK is a signatory and, with methane accounting for approximately 12 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, there are plenty of opportunities for cuts, particularly in oil and gas, waste management and livestock farming. 

Disappointingly, although it has signed up to the pledge, UK progress is stagnant. Despite having the technological capability and international influence to lead, it needs more robust policies to make headway. Taking a comprehensive methane action plan to COP29 would send a powerful message: that swifter climate action is both possible and essential. By aligning with the US and the EU in advocating for stronger commitments to methane reduction, the UK would inspire other nations to follow suit, particularly as there is uncertainty around the direction of US climate action. 

We mustn’t slide backwards on landfill gas
Methane is expected to be a major topic at the climate summit this week. Already we know that the Azerbaijani COP presidency will launch a new declaration on reducing methane from organic waste, with help from the US and China. On this, the UK has led so far, having drastically cut down on landfill waste and implemented effective landfill gas capture systems. But we risk going backwards as subsidies for landfill gas capture are due to be phased out from 2027.  

There will also be another methane ministerial event at COP29, hosted by the US as champions of the Global Methane Pledge and the Clean Air Task Force. We hope to see Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband demonstrating that the UK is truly back at the international table on climate, particularly with bold commitments to act on methane.