The methane imperative

The article analyzes the feasibility of reducing methane emissions at the national and sectoral levels, emphasizing that while significant reductions are achievable—especially to meet targets like the Global Methane Pledge—there are notable uncertainties in the cost-effectiveness and impact of these measures. It shows that the mitigation costs for many strategies are relatively low compared to real-world financial instruments, and far lower than the estimated damages caused by methane emissions. Despite these low costs, the article stresses that legally binding regulations and methane pricing mechanisms are crucial to achieving the necessary reductions to meet climate goals.