UN launches methane emissions observatory

The UN Environment Programme has launched a global methane emissions taskforce, the climate change organisation announced on Sunday.

The new organisation, International Methane Emissions Observatory, is supported by the EU and will begin its focus on methane emissions from the hydrocarbons industry and then expand its range to other sectors, such as agriculture and waste.

The organisation will follow the Paris Agreement goal of limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius by almost halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The announcement was made at the G20 summit on the evening of the first day of COP26 in Glasgow.

“Methane is one of the most dangerous gases for our climate. We urgently need to reduce methane emissions to keep our climate targets in reach,” said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

“Better satellite monitoring is essential, and the EU is proud to support the creation of the International Methane Emissions Observatory.”