![An artist’s rendering of MethaneSAT, a satellite EDF is building to track and measure methane worldwide, in orbit above Earth with a starry sky in the background.](/sites/default/files/styles/mid_tier_interior_page_hero_350_140_focal_point/public/2023-05/Hero_methane_final.jpg?h=36084f20&itok=OBeXWGhD)
Cutting methane pollution to slow climate change
The problem: Methane pollution released this year will warm the planet more in the next decade than carbon dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels. While cutting methane is the single fastest way to slow the rate of global warming, current efforts fall far short of the drastic reductions we need.
What we’re doing about it: Through research and advocacy, we’ve been driving global action to cut methane pollution for over a decade, and we built a methane-tracking satellite to help scale reductions worldwide. Our goal is to reduce global methane emissions from the energy and agricultural sectors by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
Methane pollution by the numbers
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0x
How much more potent methane is than carbon dioxide in the near term
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$0.0B
Cost of wasted gas emitted by U.S. oil and gas companies per year, enough to fuel 10 million homes in the U.S.
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0%
Amount of methane reductions the oil and gas industry can achieve globally using technologies available today, two-thirds of it at no net cost
Our work slashing global methane emissions
- Video
Watch this TED Talk to see how MethaneSAT will protect the climate
- Project
Slow global warming fast with MethaneSAT
- Article
EDF study: The fastest way to save melting sea ice
- Video
Cutting methane doesn’t just slow warming — it improves health
- Timeline
Our groundbreaking push to cut methane on 3 critical fronts
- Expert Voices
Global food companies join EDF for a groundbreaking step on dairy methane
Updates
Read the latest articles, blogs and press releases on methane.
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New Study Provides Comprehensive Estimates of Methane Emissions from Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry Based on Direct Measurements
Press release, -
New Data Show U.S. Oil & Gas Methane Emissions Over Four Times Higher than EPA Estimates, Eight Times Greater than Industry Target
Press release, -
Planet-warming methane pollution more than four times EPA estimates
Article, -
EDF Heads to Court to Defend EPA Action to Identify Climate Pollution, Including Methane from Landfills
Press release, -
Mapping the maze: data reveals the need for protective standards for all gas gathering pipelines
Blog post, -
Missing Methane: A European perspective
Blog post,
Methane pollution resources
Dig deeper into our work with these resources for researchers, policymakers, journalists and communities.
- Overview
Our cutting-edge science is guiding global action to cut methane
- Overview
Helping livestock farmers cut methane emissions
- Video
Bill Nye the Science Guy highlights the fastest way to slow global warming
- Expert Voices
Methane in the spotlight: 10 scientific facts you should know
- Explainer
Methane: A crucial opportunity in the climate fight
- Article
Sweeping new US rules to cut climate-warming methane pollution
Our methane experts
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Daniel Zavala-Araiza
Senior Scientist II
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Mina Berkow
Director, Energy Transition
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Jon Goldstein
Senior Director, Regulatory & Legislative Affairs
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Rosalie Winn
Director and Lead Counsel, Methane and Clean Air Policy
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Flavia Sollazzo
Senior Director, EU Energy Transition
Staff perspective
By emitting even a little bit of methane, humankind is greatly accelerating the rate of climate change.
Steven Hamburg
Chief Scientist
Media contact
Lauren Whittenberg
(512) 691-3437 (office)
(512) 784-2161 (mobile)