Reducing methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle climate change in the near term, a senior United Nations official said on Tuesday, urging governments and industry leaders to accelerate implementation of proven mitigation measures.
Speaking in Geneva, Dario Liguti, Director of the Energy, Housing and Land Management Division at the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), said that most methane emissions in the fossil fuel sector can be reduced at little or no cost.
He welcomed the renewed focus placed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the fossil fuel industry, describing it as a sector where significant and immediate climate gains can be achieved.
Liguti highlighted that UNECE has developed practical guidance, tested by governments and industry stakeholders, to help curb methane emissions from oil and gas operations as well as active and abandoned coal mines.
He noted that abandoned coal mines can continue emitting methane for decades, making long-term mitigation efforts essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Calling for greater action, Liguti stressed the need for governments and industry, particularly in major methane-emitting countries, to rapidly scale up the implementation of existing solutions and best practices.
He also emphasized that climate policies must incorporate a just transition framework to support workers and communities affected by the shift toward cleaner energy systems.
According to Liguti, UNECE remains committed to strengthening international cooperation and expanding methane reduction efforts through practical tools and expert-led initiatives aimed at delivering tangible climate benefits. ERMD