New Delhi: The Global Methane Status Report 2025, released on the sidelines of COP30, warns that India remains one of the world’s biggest methane emitters even as global projections show marginal improvement due to new policies and market shifts. The report, produced by UNEP and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, underscores that India’s current climate commitments do not yet address its largest methane sources — agriculture and waste.
The assessment finds that while global emissions continue to rise, updated projections for 2030 are lower than previously estimated, largely due to new waste regulations in parts of Europe and North America and the slower expansion of natural gas. However, the world remains far off track to meet the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) target of a 30% cut below 2020 levels by 2030.
India’s methane challenge
India is identified as the world’s third-largest methane emitter, contributing nearly 9% of global emissions — about 31 million tonnes in 2020. The report emphasises that within the G20+ group, India is part of the bloc responsible for 65% of global anthropogenic methane, and holds one of the highest shares of agricultural methane worldwide.
Key findings for India include: Agriculture drives emissions: Livestock (enteric fermentation and manure) and rice cultivation are India’s dominant methane sources.
Rising rice emissions: Methane from rice cultivation in India is projected to rise 8% between 2020 and 2030, even as many regions globally see declines.
Gap in national climate policy: India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) do not specify actions to cut methane from agriculture, despite it being the largest emitting sector.
Crop burning hotspot: India is flagged as a major hotspot for crop residue burning, with trends rising even as global levels fall.
Waste emissions growing: The country faces expanding waste-management-related methane due to increasing organic waste and gaps in segregation and treatment.
Global context and urgency
The report warns that current national pledges, if fully implemented, can reduce methane only 8% below 2020 levels by 2030, far short of the 30% GMP target. UNEP stresses that only maximum feasible reductions — using proven, low-cost measures — can close the gap. Globally, over 80% of the methane reductions needed by 2030 can be achieved at low cost, with the energy sector representing the largest opportunity. But agriculture-driven economies like India will need to adopt broader interventions such as improved livestock feed, water management for rice paddies, and better organic waste treatment.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urged countries to act rapidly: “Reducing methane is one of the most immediate and effective steps to slow the climate crisis. UNEP is committed to helping countries turn ambition into action.” Ministers from Canada and the European Union also emphasised that the tools to cut methane already exist, and the next five years will be decisive.
India in the spotlight
While India has improved monitoring and launched initiatives on waste management, the report suggests that without targeted interventions in agriculture — which drives more than two-thirds of its methane output — India’s emissions will continue to climb.
With the country’s growing population and rising food demand placing additional pressure on agriculture, experts say India’s policy choices now will significantly influence global methane trajectories.
The report delivers a clear message: India must scale up methane-specific actions urgently if the world is to stay on course for the Global Methane Pledge and protect food security, air quality, and climate stability.
