International Effort to Curb Emissions of a Climate Super Pollutant Falls Short, UN Report Reveals – Inside Climate News

Global Methane Emissions Status Report: A Challenge to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Rising Emissions Undermine SDG 13 (Climate Action)

A United Nations Environment Programme report indicates that global methane emissions are increasing, posing a significant threat to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Despite the Global Methane Pledge, which involves over half of the world’s nations, efforts to reduce this potent greenhouse gas are falling short of established targets. Methane is responsible for approximately one-third of human-caused global warming, making its reduction critical for mitigating climate change.

Analysis of the Global Methane Pledge and its Shortcomings

Pledge vs. Reality: A Gap in Global Partnership (SDG 17)

The Global Methane Pledge, initiated in 2021, represents a multilateral effort consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). However, the first worldwide assessment reveals a significant implementation gap.

• Pledge Target: A collective reduction of global methane emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030, from 2020 levels.
• Current Trajectory: A projected 5 percent increase in emissions by 2030 under existing policies.
• Pledge Adherence Projection: Even if all 159 signatory countries fulfill their commitments, the reduction would only reach 8 percent, far below the 30 percent goal.
• Participation Gaps: Three of the world’s largest emitters—China, India, and Russia—have not joined the pledge, weakening its potential global impact.

Projected Impacts on Key Sustainable Development Goals

The failure to curb methane emissions has direct and severe consequences for several SDGs beyond climate action.

Impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

The projected 5 percent increase in methane by 2030 is expected to have significant negative impacts on human health and food security.

1. Health Consequences: The additional pollution is projected to contribute to nearly 24,000 premature deaths annually.
2. Food Security Threats: An estimated 2.5 million metric tons of annual crop losses are anticipated due to the effects of increased methane.

Impact on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

The economic viability of communities is threatened, with the report forecasting up to $43 billion in economic damages per year by 2030 resulting from increased emissions.

Emission Sources and Mitigation Opportunities

Sectoral Contributions and Links to SDG 12 and SDG 7

Understanding the primary sources of methane is crucial for targeted action in line with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

• Primary Sources: The main contributors to human-caused methane pollution are agriculture, oil and gas infrastructure, and landfills.
• Projected Growth: The agriculture and waste sectors are expected to see the largest emission increases, driven by population and economic growth.
• Mitigation Potential: The energy sector presents the most significant opportunity for cost-effective emission reductions, as methane is the primary component of natural gas. This highlights the need for a transition toward cleaner energy systems as outlined in SDG 7.

International Policy and Regulatory Challenges

Policy Volatility and its Impact on Global Commitments

National policies, particularly in major economies like the United States, have a profound effect on global progress. Recent policy shifts in the U.S. demonstrate this volatility:

• The Biden administration implemented regulations to reduce oil and gas methane emissions by nearly 80 percent and committed to a 35 percent economy-wide reduction.
• The Trump administration rolled back methane regulations, withdrew from the Paris Agreement, and repealed the methane fee.

Transatlantic Tensions over Methane Regulation

A conflict in regulatory approaches between the U.S. and the European Union threatens international cooperation under SDG 17.

• The EU Methane Regulation will impose emission thresholds on energy imports starting in 2030, promoting global accountability.
• The U.S. administration has lobbied the EU to ease these regulations, citing concerns over costs and impacts on U.S. liquified natural gas exports.
• The European Commission has affirmed its commitment to the regulation, stating it does not pose a barrier to trade and is essential for climate goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   • SDG 13: Climate Action

     This is the central SDG addressed in the article. The entire text focuses on the global effort to curb methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas and the “second leading driver of climate change.” It discusses international agreements like the Global Methane Pledge and the Paris Agreement, national policies (U.S. and EU regulations), and the consequences of failing to reduce emissions, directly aligning with the goal of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     The article explicitly connects methane pollution to public health. It states that if emissions increase as projected, the pollution would “contribute to nearly 24,000 premature deaths” annually by 2030. This directly links the failure to control a pollutant with negative health outcomes, which is a core concern of SDG 3.

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

     The article highlights the impact of methane-driven climate change on food security. It reports that increased emissions would lead to “2.5 million metric tons of crop losses annually by 2030.” This connects the issue to agricultural productivity and the goal of ending hunger and ensuring sustainable food production.

   • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

     The energy sector, specifically oil and gas infrastructure, is identified as a primary source of methane pollution and also as offering the “best opportunity for low-cost methane emission reductions.” The article discusses regulations like the EU Methane Regulation, which targets energy imports, and the U.S. methane fee on the oil and gas industry, linking the issue directly to the sustainability and cleanliness of the energy sector.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     The article is framed around international cooperation and partnerships. It details the Global Methane Pledge, launched by the U.S. and EU, involving 159 countries. It also discusses the COP30 climate talks, diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and EU regarding regulations, and the role of international bodies like the UN Environment Programme, all of which exemplify the global partnerships needed to achieve sustainable development.

   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

     The article mentions that the “waste sectors are projected to see the most significant increases in methane emissions, driven by… higher waste generation due to expanding populations and economic growth.” This connects the issue to patterns of consumption and production and the need for better waste management, a key component of SDG 12.

2. Specific Targets Identified

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

     The article provides several examples of this target in action. It describes the U.S. EPA’s regulations to reduce methane from the oil and gas sector, the Biden administration’s fee on excessive methane emissions, and the EU’s Methane Regulation for energy imports. The discussion of countries’ commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge also reflects efforts to integrate climate measures into national planning.

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

     The article’s projection that increased methane would cause “nearly 24,000 premature deaths” annually directly relates to this target. Efforts to curb methane are, therefore, also efforts to reduce deaths from air pollution.

   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices…

     The article identifies agriculture as a primary source of methane pollution and notes that increased emissions will cause significant “crop losses.” This implies that achieving methane reduction goals requires more sustainable agricultural practices, which is the focus of this target.

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development…

     The Global Methane Pledge, described as an effort launched by the U.S. and EU and signed by 159 countries to “collectively reduce global methane emissions,” is a direct example of the global partnership described in this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

   • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction:

     The article is built around this indicator. It explicitly mentions the goal to “reduce global methane emissions from human activity at least 30 percent by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.” It also tracks progress, noting that emissions are instead “on track to increase 5 percent.” This aligns with official indicators like 13.2.2 (Total greenhouse gas emissions per year).

   • Mortality Rate from Air Pollution:

     The article provides a quantifiable measure of the health impact: “nearly 24,000 premature deaths” annually. This serves as a direct indicator for measuring progress towards Target 3.9, similar to indicator 3.9.1 (Mortality rate attributed to… ambient air pollution).

   • Agricultural Productivity Loss:

     The specific mention of “2.5 million metric tons of crop losses annually” serves as a clear indicator of the impact of climate change on food production. This can be used to measure the consequences of failing to meet climate targets and the need for resilient agricultural systems.

   • Economic Damage:

     The report’s finding that increased emissions would cause “up to $43 billion in economic damage per year by 2030” is a quantifiable economic indicator that measures the financial cost of inaction on climate change.

   • Number of Parties to International Agreements:

     The article mentions that “159 countries” have signed the Global Methane Pledge. This number serves as an indicator of global commitment and participation in international environmental agreements, relevant to SDG 17.

4. Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.	Percentage reduction in methane emissions (Goal: 30% reduction by 2030; Projection: 5% increase).
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from… air… pollution.	Number of premature deaths caused by pollution (Projected at 24,000 annually).
   SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.	Volume of crop losses due to climate impacts (Projected at 2.5 million metric tons annually).
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.	Number of countries participating in international climate agreements (159 countries in the Global Methane Pledge).
   SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	Implied: Improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of energy production.	Implementation of regulations on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector (e.g., U.S. EPA rules, EU Methane Regulation).
   (Cross-cutting)	(Cross-cutting)	Economic damage from climate impacts (Projected at $43 billion per year).

Source: insideclimatenews.org