For decades, the Environmental Investigation Agency’s Climate team has worked around the world to push for policies and strengthened governance to significantly reduce emissions super greenhouse gases (GHG) — most recently adding methane to that list of target gases.

This work has included engaging with the development of the first regulation on methane in the energy sector in the European Union (EU) as well as the Global Methane Pledge, which was launched by US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at 2021’s CoP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

But, despite these efforts, methane emissions remain overlooked in the EU and to highlight this issue, EIA has now co-created the Methane Matters coalition, together with experienced European NGOs.

About 75-90 per cent of EU fossil fuel methane emissions are taking place outside EU borders

This coalition aims to significantly reduce methane emissions across the agriculture, waste and energy sectors in the EU, while simultaneously strengthening the bloc’s leadership role in implementing the Global Methane Pledge.

Methane is the second most important GHG, about 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 20-year period, and it accounts for a third of the global warming experienced to date. But the damage does not stop there —  methane emissions also contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, a harmful air pollutant responsible for one million premature deaths every year.

Further, methane also affects ecosystems and the economy by harming sensitive species and damaging crop harvests. Tackling methane emissions is vital for protecting our health, preserving the planet’s biodiversity and fighting climate change.

To date, climate action efforts have focused on reducing CO₂ emissions, leaving methane largely ignored by policymakers in the EU and beyond, but the tide is turning.

When the EU and the US launched the Global Methane Pledge in 2021, it set out a collective goal to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, with 157 countries now signed up.

The EU adopted a Methane Regulation in the energy sector in 2024, but large gaps remain, especially regarding fossil fuel imports — as the world’s largest importer of oil, gas and coal, this oversight has major implications because about 75-90 per cent of EU fossil fuel methane emissions are taking place outside EU borders. Crucially, There is currently no regulatory framework to address emissions from the agriculture sector, which represent the largest share.

The Methane Matters coalition — comprising EIA, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Changing Markets Foundation, European Environmental Bureau and Zero Waste Europe — is actively pressing for the EU to take stronger action on all emitting sectors. Supported by national partners, the project aims to position the EU as a leader in methane mitigation.

The coalition is also advocating for additional mitigation measures, strong enforcement of existing regulatory frameworks, new policy instruments and the adoption of national action plans in key European countries as a means to make significant strides in the global fight against methane emissions.

Following the European elections in June 2024 and the subsequent re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission President last week, we are entering a new political cycle.

To meet the EU’s climate, environmental protection and air quality objectives, stronger measures on methane are needed. The incoming European Commission and newly elected MEP have a pivotal opportunity to take decisive action on methane emissions as we approach 2030.

To seize this moment, the coalition has developed a Make Methane Matter factsheet calling on incoming MEPs to protect the health of EU citizens and the climate by implementing robust policies methane to clamp down on methane emissions.

Delegates from the coalition will be in Brussels this October to drive forward the methane agenda, meeting with relevant policymakers and engaging with others working on methane. Watch this space for updates!