Media Advisory: SEI expert comments on Global Methane Pledge

Today, world leaders have signed up to the Global Methane Pledge, to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.  Dr Johan C.I Kuylenstierna, Research Leader at the Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York and co-author of the UNEP / CCAC* Global Methane  Assessment comments.

The Pledge is an initiative led by the US and EU, and more than 100 countries have now joined. The goal of the Pledge is to cut warming by 0.2°C and also achieve health and other development benefits by cutting methane emissions. 

Methane is a greenhouse gas that has a climate change impact many times stronger than carbon dioxide, per tonne of emission. More than half of global methane emissions arise from human activities and 95% of these emissions come from three sectors: agriculture, fossil fuels and waste. Cutting methane emissions from these sectors has many benefits, not only for mitigating climate change, but also for reducing air pollution and improving human health.  

In response to the Global Methane Pledge, Dr Johan C.I Kuylenstierna, Research Leader at the Stockholm Environment Institute, University of York and co-author of the UNEP / CCAC* Global Methane Assessment says: 

“It is important to address methane emissions as it is the only way we can reduce global warming in the near term. The Pledge is a good start, and is just compatible with the achievement of the 1.5°C goal, but the Global Methane Assessment identified that we have the ability to reduce methane emissions by 10% more than what is set out in the Global Methane Pledge, which will more firmly ensure that we shift into a 1.5°C pathway. One way to make sure of this is for all major emitters to sign up to the Pledge, including China and Russia.”

"It is important that this Global Methane Pledge is taken in addition to substantial reductions in CO₂ and not instead of it.The scienceis clear, we cannot achieve a 1.5°C pathway without reducing methane emissions. At the same time, we cannot achieve it without large reductions in CO₂, other greenhouse gases and black carbon as well."

Notes: 

About Johan C.I Kuylenstierna
Johan C.I Kuylenstierna is an author of the Global Methane Assessment published in May 2021, which highlights the critical role of cutting methane emissions in slowing the rate of global warming. He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Panel of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

For more information please contact:

Annika Flensburg, lead press officer, Stockholm Environment Institute, annika.flensburg@sei.org +4673 901 60 11

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges. We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all. Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world. www.sei.org @SEIresearch @SEIclimate