NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed that only 13 percent of major methane leaks detected by satellites receive a response from governments or companies responsible for the emissions, raising concerns over global efforts to tackle one of the most potent greenhouse gases driving climate change.
The agency said advances in satellite technology now make it possible to detect large methane emissions in near real time, enabling authorities and companies to quickly identify and repair leaks. However, most of the alerts generated are either ignored or receive no confirmed follow-up action.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with a much greater warming effect than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. It is commonly released through oil and gas production, coal mining, agriculture, landfills and waste management activities. Scientists say reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow global warming in the near term.
To address the growing response gap, UNEP announced the expansion of its methane monitoring initiative, with financial support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The programme aims to significantly improve how governments and industries respond to satellite-detected emissions.
Under the expanded initiative, UNEP plans to help countries investigate and fix 80 percent of major methane leaks detected from space by 2030, a substantial increase from current response levels. The programme will provide technical assistance, data analysis and coordination to help national authorities and companies identify emission sources and implement corrective measures.
According to UNEP, timely repairs of methane leaks not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also help companies recover valuable natural gas that would otherwise be lost, creating both environmental and economic benefits.
The agency stressed that satellite technology has transformed methane monitoring by providing transparent, independent and continuous observations of emissions across the globe. This allows governments, regulators and industry operators to respond more rapidly and improve accountability.
Environmental experts say stronger international cooperation, improved regulatory enforcement and greater corporate transparency will be essential to achieving the initiative’s targets. They also urged countries to incorporate satellite monitoring into national climate strategies and strengthen policies requiring prompt action on detected leaks.
UNEP reaffirmed that cutting methane emissions remains one of the most cost-effective measures available to limit global temperature increases while supporting international efforts to achieve climate goals under the Paris Agreement. The agency expressed confidence that improved monitoring, combined with faster government and industry responses, could significantly reduce methane emissions worldwide over the coming decade.
