Comment on methane reduction pledge

Commenting on the news that the UK is to join the United States and the European Union in a pledge to cut methane emissions, Gareth Redmond-King, COP26 Communications and Engagement Lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “The IPCC issued a ‘code red’ for humanity last month - that we’re running out of time to keep warming to 1.5°C. But they also indicated that, if we act to cut methane urgently, then we could slow temperature rises and avoid a precious 0.2°C of warming by mid-century, and 0.8° by the end.

“Today’s commitment on methane from two of the biggest global emitters, along with the UK, is a swift and welcome reaction to that report. Their leadership could bring other nations on board to take the pledge and hold fossil fuel companies in particular to account to achieve its ambition. Securing significant sign-up to this pledge would be a huge boost to hopes that the COP26 Glasgow climate summit can keep that Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C within reach.”