Global trade is fueling a dangerous rise in methane emissions

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🗞️ Driving the news: New research shows that methane emissions continue to rise globally, with nearly one-third linked to international trade
• The largest increases are concentrated in developing regions, particularly Asia and the Pacific, where rapid industrial growth, agriculture, and energy generation drive emissions
• While developed countries have managed to decouple economic growth from methane emissions, gains are being offset by rising levels in emerging economies

🔭 The context: Methane accounts for about 30% of global warming since the industrial era and is around 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period
• Unlike carbon dioxide, it remains in the atmosphere for only about a decade, meaning that rapid cuts could deliver immediate climate and health benefits
• Past efforts, especially in high-income countries, have demonstrated that cleaner technologies, advanced leak detection, and improved agricultural practices can significantly reduce emissions without sacrificing economic growth

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: With global trade responsible for 30% of methane emissions, rising South–South trade between developing countries is amplifying the challenge
• If left unchecked, growing emissions from fertilizer production, livestock, oil and gas operations, and waste could undermine climate progress
• Tackling methane could deliver fast results, easing short-term warming while CO₂-focused strategies unfold over decades, and reducing air pollution that causes an estimated one million premature deaths annually

⏭️ What's next: Policymakers are expected to face mounting pressure to integrate methane into national climate strategies ahead of COP30
• Key priorities include providing technology transfer and financing to developing economies, improving global supply chain accountability, and addressing high-growth sectors such as fertilizer production
• Coordinated action at both international and regional levels will be critical to balance economic development with emission reductions

💬 One quote: “As we approach COP30, our findings underscore the need for coordinated global action, especially in developing regions where emissions are rising fastest,” said Professor Yuli Shan, University of Birmingham

📈 One stat: Between 1998 and 2023, the global average methane emission coefficient fell by almost 67%, showing that economic growth no longer requires proportionally higher methane emissions

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