Almost 90% of methane leaks detected by satellite remain unaddressed, reveals the UNEP ahead of COP30. IMEO data highlight serious failures in tackling this greenhouse gas, demanding urgent action to hit the –30% emission reduction by 2030 goal.
Why Methane Matters — And Why Now
Methane (CH₄) may remain in the atmosphere for a shorter time than carbon dioxide (CO₂), but its short-term warming impact is far greater. In studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), methane’s global warming potential (GWP) is estimated at about 29.8 ± 11 times that of CO₂ over 100 years, and up to ~82 times over 20 years. The Global Methane Pledge — launched in 2021 and signed by more than 150 countries — sets a target of reducing global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. For these reasons, many experts say “cutting methane” may be the fastest lever available to slow global warming in the near term. Therefore, the warning from the UNEP on the eve of COP30 carries special weight.
What IMEO Data Reveal
The International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) of the UNEP functions as the core methane‐monitoring mechanism: combining satellite data (via the Methane Alert and Response System, MARS), industry inventories (through the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, OGMP 2.0) and scientific studies. According to the report published 22 October 2025:
- Over 3,500 high-emission methane alerts were issued by MARS across 33 countries to that date. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Of those alerts, only about 12% resulted in a response — i.e., investigation or repair of the leak source. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Consequently, nearly 88% of the detected leaks are still untreated. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- The majority of identified leaks are in the oil and gas sector (extraction, transport, flaring and venting) — where mitigation potential is considered one of the “lowest‐hanging fruits”. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- The report emphasises that OGMP 2.0 already covers roughly 42% of global oil & gas production and is setting stricter reporting standards. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
These figures align with the original portal BNews report from 27 October 2025, which cited “90% of satellite detected leaks are not being corrected”. The slight difference (88 % vs. 90 %) reflects rounding and approximations; the IMEO data serve as the reference.
Why This Inertia — Factors Halting Methane Action
Lack of priority for “easy” repairs
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said: “We’re talking about tightening some screws in some cases… we cannot ignore these relatively easy wins.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Her statement underscores that many of the detected leaks are caused by technical, operational issues that could theoretically be fixed quickly — yet they are not.
Weak regulation, transparency and accountability
While OGMP 2.0 advances in the oil & gas sector, many operators still do not meet detailed measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) standards. The IMEO report says: “the transparency trajectory is rising, but the pace remains insufficient.” :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} Developing countries face greater gaps in monitoring and control — magnifying the global challenge.
Monitoring & data: good progress, but inadequate action
Satellites and tools like MARS have greatly improved detection. For example, the IMEO highlight notes that previously the response rate to alerts was about 1% and has recently reached around 10–12%. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} But detection alone is not enough — turning alerts into action is the bottleneck.
Limited focus: methane doesn’t just come from oil & gas
While the fossil‐fuel sector concentrates many “super‐emitter” leaks, the IMEO points to other important sectors: agriculture, waste, steel. “More than 60% of anthropogenic methane emissions come from those sectors” — the report states. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} If focus remains only on the “big visible leaks”, we risk missing aggregate reductions from far more diffuse sources.
Implications for COP30 and for Brazil
International context
The holding of COP30 this year places the host country, Brazil, at the centre of negotiations. The UNEP warning acts as a “wake-up call” that although commitments exist, real progress is lagging. If the world does not accelerate, the aim of limiting warming to 1.5 °C — under the Paris Agreement — may slip further away.
Brazil’s stakes
Brazil, as both a significant producer of oil & gas **and** an agricultural powerhouse, faces a dual challenge:
- In the oil & gas sector: methane leaks increase the national climate footprint and reduce “climate credits”.
- In agriculture/animal husbandry: methane sources such as irrigated rice, manure, organic waste are flagged in the IMEO guidelines. For Brazil, success in the methane agenda demands an integrated approach.
For Brazilian companies and the government alike, proactive monitoring and remediation of methane sources could offer a reputational and competitive advantage.
What Needs to Be Done — The Experts’ Action Plan
- **Map and prioritise leaks**: IMEO data show thousands of alerts exist — converting them into operational correction plans is essential.
- **Establish clear regulatory policy**: enforce monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements in oil & gas, waste and agriculture sectors. OGMP 2.0 already offers a model for the oil & gas industry.
- **Train and empower local technicians**: repairs are often technical (equipment upgrades, maintenance) and require investment and local know-how.
- **Expand focus beyond the “easy targets”**: agriculture, waste and steel sectors must be part of the roadmap. IMEO is already engaging these frontiers.
- **Incentivise and penalise**: reward companies that plug leaks; penalise those ignoring alerts. Public transparency of methane data can act as a pressure mechanism.
- **Mobilise international finance**: given the urgency, connect to climate finance, PPPs, and support for developing countries is crucial.
Conclusion
The call from the UNEP — that nearly 90% of satellite-detected methane leaks are not being fixed — is not just alarming: it’s a wake-up alarm. Methane, silent and invisible, represents one of the “low-hanging fruit” in climate action — yet is being systematically ignored. In order for COP30 to become a turning point rather than a ceremony, governments, private sector and civil society must convert data into action. Brazil, as host and key player on the global stage, has the opportunity to lead — or risk falling behind. If out of every 100 alerts more than 80 go unanswered, the risk is that methane will keep fueling global warming, undermining the viability of our targets. The question remains: how many “loose screws” will humanity still leave before the system cracks?
