IEA finds energy methane emissions stay near record highs in 2025
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 4
IEA finds energy methane emissions stay near record highs in 2025
14 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 4
Its Global Methane Tracker 2026 says proven fixes could free 200 bcm of gas annually, including 15 bcm quickly and nearly 100 bcm longer term.
Ending non-emergency gas flaring could unlock another 100 bcm, the report said, as conflict in the Middle East tightens supplies and raises the value of recoverable gas.
Using satellite and field data, the IEA highlighted persistent mega-leaks in countries including Turkmenistan, the US, Venezuela and Iran despite some official claims that repairs had reduced emissions.
Can capturing wasted gas avert an energy crisis, or will new EU regulations inadvertently create one?
Satellites now expose the world's worst methane polluters. Why is this 'easy-to-fix' problem not being solved?
2025 Methane Emissions Hit Critical Highs Amid Industry Inaction and Transparency Crisis
Overview
Global methane emissions hit near-record highs in 2025, driven largely by the oil and gas industry's failure to meet reduction pledges amid inadequate regulations, persistent emission hotspots like landfills, and conflicts from expanding LNG infrastructure. These emissions accelerate near-term warming, making the 1.5°C climate target increasingly unreachable. Although existing technologies could cut 70% of methane emissions, barriers such as financing gaps, poor data transparency, and weak enforcement hinder progress, resulting in insufficient abatement. Satellite technology reveals significant underreporting and identifies super-emitters responsible for much of the problem, yet 88% of detected leaks remain unaddressed. Without stronger regulations, better funding, and full use of monitoring tools, methane emissions will continue to rise, threatening climate stability and energy security.