Methane emissions from fossil fuels remain at stubbornly high levels. This report presents the latest sector-wide methane emissions estimates and examines different abatement options along with their associated costs. Methane abatement is a crucial opportunity to reduce near-term global warming at a time when temperatures worldwide have set record highs for two years in a row. 

This 2025 update includes country-level historical emissions data (including Australia); an interactive tool to explore international methane initiatives; and estimates of emissions from abandoned fossil fuel facilities. It outlines policies, regional insights and overcoming barriers to abatement. 

The report is accompanied by a fully open-access model for exploring abatement options in the oil and gas sector.

Key findings

• Methane emissions are widely underreported.
• Methane pledges cover around 80% of global oil and gas production, but implementation remains weak.
• A significant share of abatement measures could pay for themselves within a year, since the gas that is captured can be resold.
• A concerted effort to limit methane emissions could make nearly 100 billion cubic metres of natural gas available to markets.
• Around 70% of methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector could be avoided with existing technologies, often at a low cost.