Support Grows as More Countries Join U.S., EU-led Methane Pledge Ahead of COP 26

(WASHINGTON) Political support is building for global actions to cut methane pollution this decade, as more than 20 new countries say they will sign the Global Methane Pledge at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow. The new countries were recognized during a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans and U.S. climate envoy John Kerry.

The philanthropic community also voiced its support through the formation of a new multi-million-dollar fund that will direct money to critical efforts needed to achieve the pledge.

“Momentum is building for a methane moment at Glasgow. Cutting methane pollution is the fastest opportunity we have to help avert our most acute climate risks, including crop loss, wildfires, extreme weather and rising sea levels.

“Scientists say we can’t reach the climate goals in the Paris Agreement without a steep decline of methane pollution alongside efforts to address carbon dioxide emissions. The Pledge and the action that follows to deliver meaningful methane reductions this decade is urgently needed.

“The methane fund is a crucial support for scaling up the global efforts needed to deliver on these commitments quickly. These are critical resources, at a critical time, that will no doubt make a tangible difference in slashing methane pollution this decade.”

• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund