IEA says energy-sector methane emissions stayed near record levels in 2025
The Facts
- The International Energy Agency said methane emissions from the energy sector remained near record levels in 2025.
- The IEA estimated the fossil-fuel energy sector emitted about 124 million tonnes of methane in 2025, slightly above 2024 levels and about 35% of human-caused methane emissions.
- According to the IEA, there was no sign that global energy-related methane emissions declined in 2025.
- The IEA said 2025 energy-sector methane emissions were led by oil, followed by coal and then gas.
- The IEA said tried-and-tested methane abatement measures could make about 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas available to markets each year.
- The report said some methane-cutting measures could quickly free up nearly 15 billion cubic metres of gas if countries with spare export capacity and importing countries act across their gas systems.
- The findings were presented as governments, industry and experts met in Paris during France's G7 presidency to push for faster action on methane ahead of the UN's COP31 climate summit.
How left and right are reading this
- Both agree
- Energy-sector methane remained near record levels in 2025 with no sign of decline, and the IEA says proven abatement measures could cut those emissions while making substantial volumes of natural gas available to markets.
- They split on
- Whether the story is about a preventable climate failure demanding faster collective action ahead of COP31, or about practical supply discipline that reduces waste by turning methane cuts into usable gas for markets.
Analytical frames for this storyTap to explore
Context
Why does the IEA say methane cuts matter for energy supply?
The agency said reducing leaks and other avoidable methane releases could make about 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas available annually, with nearly 15 billion cubic metres potentially available quickly in some cases Guardian,Terra Daily,Straits Times.
How large is methane's climate impact, according to the sources?
Several reports describe methane as the second-biggest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide, and note that although it remains in the atmosphere for less time than CO2, it has a much stronger warming effect over a 20-year period CNA,CNA,Le Telegramme.
What remains unresolved after this report?
The IEA said there is still no global sign of declining energy-related methane emissions in 2025, even as officials are calling for faster action; the next question is whether countries and companies will implement the abatement measures discussed at the Paris meeting and ahead of COP31 Franceinfo,Boursorama,CNA.
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Wire services (5)
Independent coverage (50)
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