Efforts to cut methane are hobbled by gaps in coverage and uncertainty on emissions

Policies that aim to cut methane cover just 13% of global emissions. Even then, their impact is uncertain because they largely rely on estimates of emissions rather than direct measurements.

That’s according to a review of over 250 energy, waste and agriculture policies currently in force, ranging from economic, such as emission trading systems, to regulatory and information instruments. Around half target methane from fossil fuels, and most have been adopted in North America, Europe and Asia–Pacific.

Methane’s short-lived but powerful warming impact means mitigation is a vital tool to limit global warming. But while policy making has ramped up over the past decade, methane emissions are increasing.