Global methane emissions are not reducing at the scale and pace needed to limit warming to a level consistent with the Paris-aligned 1.5°C pathways. Global demand for natural gas is growing, and many developing countries plan to monetise their natural gas reserves to enhance energy access, support industrialisation and achieve improved development outcomes. It is therefore urgent to substantially reduce methane emissions in the production and consumption of oil and gas.

This report provides recommendations for the design of robust regulatory frameworks on methane abatement in the upstream oil and gas sector. It also sets out the enabling conditions as well as the incentives for deploying cost-effective methane abatement solutions in developing countries producing oil and gas. Recognising the shared responsibility of consuming and producing countries in reducing methane emissions, the report identifies options to finance methane abatement in developing countries in order to move from voluntary commitments to concrete actions.