APFSD13: Regional Policy Dialogue on Methane Emissions Reduction for Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific

This regional policy dialogue is organized by ESCAP in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). It contributes to the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) 2026 theme by promoting transformative, innovative, and coordinated climate action through capacity-building for member States to implement methane reduction targets in NDC 3.0 and integrate these targets into energy transition strategies.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with significant climate impacts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for over one-third of global methane emissions. Major sources include agriculture, oil and gas, and landfills—sectors under increasing pressure from rapid urbanization and industrialization. Methane is the second most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for approximately 16 per cent of global GHG emissions and about 30 per cent of current global warming, despite its relatively low atmospheric concentration (around 1.9 ppm).

According to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (2023), methane has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 27–29.8 over a 100-year time horizon and 84–87 over 20 years. It is a short-lived climate pollutant with an average atmospheric lifetime of 12 years, breaking down into carbon dioxide and water vapour. Methane oxidation also contributes substantially to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone. Given methane’s high warming potential and short lifetime, rapid mitigation can deliver significant climate and air quality benefits.

The Asia-Pacific region plays a major role in global methane trends. Although obtaining precise, current, and region-specific data remains a challenge, general estimates provide useful insight. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global anthropogenic methane emissions were approximately 369 million tonnes in 2024, with the agriculture sector contributing about 40 per cent, energy 35 per cent, and waste 15 per cent. The region’s expanding oil and gas industry is a key driver of rising methane leakage from extraction, processing, and transport. Aging infrastructure, outdated equipment, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks further contribute to emissions. However, the oil and gas industry also offers the most cost-effective mitigation opportunities, which can enhance energy efficiency, contribute to energy supply, and protect air quality and public health.

Rapid urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region—combined with growing urban populations, increased consumption, and inadequate waste management systems—has led to increased solid waste generation, much of which ends up in landfills producing methane. Globally, landfills are the third-largest source of anthropogenic methane, with approximately 58 per cent of landfill fugitive methane emissions coming from food waste. Reducing methane emissions from landfills requires integrated waste diversion strategies, improved organic waste treatment, and robust monitoring systems to meet climate targets.

Objectives

The Regional Policy Dialogue aims to:

1. Initiate a Regional Dialogue on Methane Reduction
   Support Asia-Pacific member States in implementing methane mitigation targets and plans in their NDC 3.0 and integrating them into energy transition strategies.
2. Promote Innovative Monitoring and Policy Tools
   Showcase cutting-edge monitoring technologies and best practices for methane detection and regulation, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved transparency in emissions reporting.
3. Foster Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
   Facilitate dialogue among governments, technical partners, experts, and academicians to promote coordinated and equitable action on methane.

This event directly supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy – Target 7.a) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities – Target 11.6) by addressing methane emissions from clean energy systems and urban waste.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals – Targets 17.6 and 17.9) by fostering regional cooperation, access to science, technology, and innovation, and capacity-building, especially to benefit developing member States and local authorities.

Participants

The dialogue will be a full-day, in-person event (with selected presenters joining online) and will bring together a diverse group of participants, including government representatives (methane focal points and climate/energy officials), academicians, researchers, members of the scientific and technological community, UN entities, and international organizations.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:

• Mr. Sergey Tulinov
  Economic Affairs Officer, Energy Division, ESCAP
  tulinov [at] un.org (tulinov[at]un[dot]org)
• Mr. Kyungkoo Philip Kang
  Economic Affairs Officer, Sustainable Urban Development Section,
  Environment and Development Division, ESCAP
  kangk [at] un.org (kangk[at]un[dot]org)
• Ms. Mina Berkow
  Senior Director, Energy Transition, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
  mberkow [at] edf.org (mberkow[at]edf[dot]org)
• Mr. Donovan Storey
  Waste and Climate Expert, Global Waste Hub Lead,
  Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), UNEP
  storey [at] un.org (storey[at]un[dot]org)