At COP29 in Baku today, the European Commission has launched a new Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap to further accelerate the reduction of methane emissions associated with fossil energy production and consumption, in collaboration with a number of partner countries, international organisations, NGOs and development banks. This new Roadmap provides a blueprint for cooperation between fossil fuel importing and exporting countries, which will support companies in improving their monitoring, reporting and verification systems to reduce methane emissions. Under the Global Methane Pledge, launched by the EU and the U.S., more than 150 countries are now implementing a collective goal of reducing global anthropogenic methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, from 2020 levels. The Roadmap sets out a series of concrete actions to be undertaken by both sides, such as the adoption of policies and measures including a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system building on the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) principles, as well as a project plan to abate emissions from existing assets, providing a clear timeline, investment plan and human resource needs.

A coalition of NGOs formed by Clean Air Task Force, Methane Matters Coalition (Environmental Investigation Agency, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Changing Markets Foundation, European Environmental Bureau, Zero Waste Europe) and Environmental Defense Fund, said: 

'Methane emissions from fossil fuels need to fall by 75% by 2030 to stay within the 1.5°C limit. The tools to cut these emissions are available, yet progress remains limited. Stakeholders across the supply chain need to prioritise methane abatement and build the necessary coordination, regulations, and financing. The Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap establishes a critical framework for aligning ambitions between importers and exporters to jointly address systemic barriers obstructing methane abatement. While this roadmap is an essential first step, signatories must commit to decisive action. As civil society organisations, we welcome the European Commission's initiative and will judge its success by measurable results.'

Flavia Sollazzo, Senior Director EU Energy Transition, Environmental Defense Fund Europe, reacts:

“Environmental Defense Fund welcomes the launch of the Methane Abatement Partnership Roadmap at COP29, a significant step toward global methane reduction targets. This roadmap sets a clear path for collaboration between importers and exporters, aiming to overcome barriers to effective methane reduction. But let’s be very clear: success hinges entirely on action. More countries must step up, commit, and ensure that every decision is grounded in science to guarantee accountability and impact."

"Today’s headlines remind us that the time for half-measures ran out long ago. Rising methane emissions demand immediate, impactful action. Real progress requires more than words. EDF stands ready, alongside global partners, to work with all stakeholders to turn this roadmap into meaningful climate achievements. With clear, collective action, this roadmap can be a decisive step toward a safer climate future—one where we seize the opportunity, protect our communities, and create a sustainable legacy for generations to come."