Global Trade Fuels 30% of Methane Emissions: Urgent Action Needed
September 15, 2025
Recent research reveals that approximately 30% of global methane emissions are linked to international trade, with developing countries in Asia and the Pacific experiencing the fastest increases due to industrialization and shifting trade patterns.
This rise in emissions from trade-related activities underscores the significant role of globalization in climate change, as nearly one-third of methane emissions are now attributable to international commerce.
The ongoing increase in global methane emissions, particularly in rapidly developing regions, highlights the urgent need for targeted policies and technological innovations to curb these emissions.
Experts emphasize that effective mitigation requires coordinated global efforts, including policy measures, technological advancements, and changes in consumer behavior, such as reducing red meat consumption.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential about 80 times greater than CO₂ over 20 years, making its reduction critical for immediate climate mitigation.
Despite its shorter atmospheric lifespan, methane accounts for roughly 30% of global warming since the industrial era, and rapid reductions could help stabilize temperatures within years.
Reducing methane emissions is vital not only for combating global warming but also for improving air quality, especially in developing regions where emissions are rising fastest.
While developed countries have successfully reduced methane emissions through technological improvements, many developing nations continue to see rising emissions, despite global efficiency gains.
Since 1998, the global average methane emission coefficient has decreased by nearly 67%, reflecting advances in cleaner production methods, though economic growth has often outpaced emission reductions in some regions.
Major sources of methane include oil and gas extraction, livestock farming, fertilizer production, and waste management, with targeted strategies needed for each sector, such as leak detection and improved livestock feed.
Given methane's significant role in climate change and its link to around one million premature deaths annually, there is an urgent call for global coordinated action as COP30 approaches.
A comprehensive study published in Nature Communications confirms that global methane emissions have continued to rise steadily from 1990 to 2023, with no signs of decline.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

The Good Men Project • Sep 15, 2025
Global Methane Levels Continue Rising as Planet Heats Up
Earth.com • Sep 6, 2025
Global trade is fueling a dangerous rise in methane emissions