How can we reduce our methane emissions?
Substantial reductions in methane emissions from human activity (up to 50%) can be accomplished with existing technology
Fossil fuel
Reducing methane emissions in the fossil fuel sector involves a combination of improved technology, enhanced monitoring, and updated operational practices. For oil and gas operations, one key strategy is implementing robust leak detection and repair programs—regularly surveying infrastructure with advanced sensors and fixing leaks quickly can significantly cut emissions. Upgrading equipment to capture or flare methane instead of venting it also helps minimize release into the atmosphere. In coal mines, capturing coal mine methane before, during, and after mining activities prevents it from escaping and allows it to be used as a valuable energy resource.
Many of the approaches for reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector are low-cost or profitable
Waste
Reducing methane emissions in the waste sector involves strategies that target both prevention and capture of emissions. For landfills, a key approach is capturing and utilising landfill gas—methane that naturally forms as waste decomposes—and converting it to energy rather than letting it escape. Diverting organic waste from landfills through composting, or anaerobic digestion also lowers methane production by reducing the amount of decomposing material. In wastewater treatment plants, techniques like advanced anaerobic digestion not only prevent methane leaks but also allow operators to capture and use biogas for heating or power generation.
The Netherlands halved emissions of methane since 1990 due to dramatic reductions of emissions from landfill
Agriculture
Reducing methane emissions in agriculture focuses primarily on livestock and rice cultivation—two major sources of agricultural methane. For ruminant livestock, such as cattle, feed improvements and additives (for example, certain fats or specific plant-based compounds) can reduce the amount of methane generated during digestion. Better breeding strategies and animal husbandry—such as optimizing herd health and productivity—also help lower overall emissions by reducing the number of animals needed to produce the same amount of food. In manure management, capturing methane before it escapes is key. This can be done by storing manure in covered lagoons or using anaerobic digesters that turn methane into biogas for energy. In rice cultivation, techniques like alternate wetting and drying substantially reduce methane production by limiting the waterlogged conditions that encourage methane-producing microbes.
Emissions can be reduced by up to 75% in the fossil fuel sector
Emissions can be reduced by over 85% in the waste sector
A more moderate 35% emissions reduction is achievable in the agriculture sector
Agriculture is considered the most challenging sector to achieve substantial methane reductions in
Sustained changes in personal behaviour can substantially reduce your methane footprint
Behavioural change
Reducing methane emissions through personal behaviour changes begins at home, particularly in the way we handle food and waste. One of the simplest steps is cutting down on food waste by planning meals, storing ingredients properly, and using leftovers—when less organic waste ends up in landfills, less methane is produced. Composting organic scraps further prevents methane formation by allowing waste to decompose in oxygen-rich conditions. Consider personal transportation choices that reduce fossil fuel demand, like promoting public transit, biking, or carpooling. However, one of the easiest ways to reduce methane emissions is through dietary change. Tens of millions of tonnes of methane emissions per year could be eliminated by a global dietary shift towards a healthier diet and less meat consumption. This is because the cattle industry is one of the single biggest emitters of methane globally. Some of these behavioural changes - dietary change and transportation choice - can have important co-benefits on your health and wellbeing.
