By Marcelo Mena
After two weeks of productive discussions around successes, challenges, and opportunities, COP29 has come to a close, and while the outcome does not meet the urgency of the moment, we know that the momentum towards climate action will not change.
From the noise of COP29 emerged our concept of methane mitigation being the emergency brake to curb rising temperatures. The COP29 Presidency’s announcement of its COP29 Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration to cut methane emissions from waste dumps was a win for the presidency with the fingerprints of Global Methane Hub (GMH) and its partners throughout, helping bring in over 50% of global waste emissions into the commitment.
The focus has sharpened on developing sustainable solutions to reduce global temperatures and reverse the impacts of climate change, with methane mitigation at the forefront. It is clear that GMH can play a role as torchbearers of the Global Methane Pledge and continue to make strides on mitigation. We were able to engage with the U.S., China, the EU, Brazil, and Australia to ensure this agenda continues and that new players participate in the ensuing Methane Summits, the flagship methane event, to bring together those who lead on methane.
Crucially, reducing methane emissions is not just about averting disaster—it’s about creating opportunity and making life safer, healthier, and more prosperous for billions of people. COP29 highlighted that new technologies can make this happen, growing economies, enhancing efficiency, and improving air quality and public health, especially in the Global South. In the three years since the pledge, we have made the case in all regions, all sectors, bringing both public and private partners along with us, and it’s clear we have made substantial progress.
Staying true to our role as a regranter, convener, and advocate, GMH was on the ground in Baku announcing new funding and hosting a series of events at our Methane Action Pavilion on the urgent threat of and opportunities to curb methane emissions. These events catalyzed climate action by bringing together global policymakers, scientists, activists, and philanthropists to participate in thought-provoking discussions to highlight initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions worldwide, reflect on progress, identify gaps, and chart a bold path forward.
One such initiative – Data to Action – arms citizens, governments, and corporations with data to track and address harmful emissions. A top priority for GMH as data transparency is crucial in the fight against climate change, we announced a new $5 million grant to Carbon Mapper and a $5 million grant to MethaneSAT and were proud to host new satellite data releases from both partners.
The MethaneSAT team highlighted their release of groundbreaking images, demonstrating the wide-area measurements crucial for a global understanding of oil and gas methane emissions. Carbon Mapper shared data on 300 methane and CO2 plumes detected by the Tanager-1 satellite, marking another significant advancement in emission mitigation. These first-of-their-kind data sets sparked dialogue on the complementary strengths of these two satellites and their pivotal role in enhancing accountability and informing effective methane reduction strategies. Most importantly, they provided a roadmap for countries and industries to pinpoint emissions hotspots and hold themselves accountable. This also empowers the public to put pressure on their government leaders to hold methane mega-emitters accountable, preventing them from prioritizing profits over the future and health of our planet and shared communities.
The two weeks in Baku also reinforced the importance of super pollutant specific Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As the February 2025 deadline for new NDCs approaches, the recent surge in global attention and conversations around non-CO2 greenhouse gases catalyzed meaningful discussions at COP. While current NDCs contain strong CO2-reduction targets, they often lack concrete, measurable goals for cutting super pollutants such as methane. Our biggest opportunity in the short term to avoid catastrophic climate change is reducing methane emissions. The message is clear: it’s time for global leaders to rise to the occasion and establish strong, measurable 2035 targets for methane and other super pollutants to avoid irreversible climate impacts.
Methane mitigation is no longer a niche issue—it is a global priority. A dramatic reduction of methane emissions by 2030 is key to keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius. GMH remains committed to supporting the ambitious efforts needed to address this challenge, and we are grateful to our partners for their steadfast dedication.
Since our founding in 2021, GMH has regranted $203 million to 132 organizations across 150 countries, representing over 80% of global methane emissions. This collective effort demonstrates what is possible when governments, businesses, and communities unite around a shared goal.
Together, we have the tools, knowledge, and momentum to transform goals into action. Let us seize this moment.