Climate and Clean Air Conference 2025: Daily Update – 20 March 2025

Super Pollutants, Super Progress: 2025 Climate and Clean Air Conference Drives Implementation and Ambition on the Road to COP30

Over the three-day conference, discussions focused on integrating ambitious strategies to reduce super pollutants into updated national climate plans (NDCs 3.0) and moving from momentum to action. As we head towards COP30 later this year, addressing super pollutants alongside deep decarbonization must take center-stage.  

A series of new initiatives and action-underpinning reports were launched throughout the week, demonstrating the strong momentum behind super pollutant mitigation efforts. These include the launch of UNEP’s updated Global Strategy to Introduce Low-Sulfur Fuels and Cleaner Diesel Vehicles, aimed at accelerating the transition to cleaner on-road diesel fleets; the release of a CCAC Technology and Assessment Panel (TEAP) report assessing the potential of black soldier fly technology to cut methane emissions from organic waste; a new policy brief on digital extension services for livestock to help reduce methane from the livestock sector; and a sustainability strategy for the Bioceanic Road Corridor.  

Subnational governments, who are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change and air pollution, reaffirmed their commitment to tackling super pollutants, with the governments of Belém, Fortaleza, and Rio de Janeiro, joining the Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-M) initiative, paired with the release of LOW-M’s new Data Guidance to support improved emissions tracking. This builds on the momentum of 62 countries signing the CCAC-supported COP29 Organic Waste Methane Declaration, which now represents over 50% of global waste methane emitters.  

The CCAC, in partnership with Oxfam America, launched a landmark initiative to integrate gender equity into super pollutant mitigation strategies, recognizing the critical role of women in driving super pollutant solutions at the community level.  

The Conference also advanced action across the CCAC’s six sectoral hubs — agriculture, heavy-duty vehicles and engines, waste, household energy, fossil fuels, and cooling. Cross-cutting sessions underscored the urgency of accelerating action on super pollutants ahead of COP30, while aligning climate and air quality policies for maximum benefits to public health, food security, and sustainable development.  

Our sincere thanks to CCAC Co-Chairs Brazil and the United Kingdom, members of the CCAC Board, the CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel, Global Methane Pledge Champions, and all participants from national governments, NGOs, philanthropies, and international organizations.  

A special thank you to our hosts, the Government of Brazil, for hosting this year’s Conference and raising the bar on ambitious action on super pollutants.  

Finance Plenary - Scaling Up Finance to Increase Action  

The day’s opening plenary tackled a critical challenge—how to turn climate ambition into action through effective finance. Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, set the stage, emphasizing the need to look beyond traditional funding sources and develop investment-ready projects that attract private and philanthropic capital.  

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change, shared Nigeria’s evolving approach to securing climate finance, highlighting a shift toward better project proposals and direct financing for local governments and communities. She outlined Nigeria’s increasing use of green bonds to fund adaptation and renewable energy projects, as well as its focus on technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and tapping into domestic development banks to mobilize capital. She also emphasized the growing role of carbon markets, stating that Nigeria is actively exploring carbon credit opportunities as a new financing stream for methane mitigation in the oil and gas sector.

Valerie Hickey, Global Director for Climate Change at the World Bank, underscored the rising cost of finance and the need for countries to set clear targets, establish robust data systems, and align super pollutant mitigation with broader economic goals. She noted that finance flows toward what is measured, and that countries must define responsibilities and prioritize cost-effective reductions that minimize economic disruption. She pointed to the World Bank’s marginal abatement cost curves as a key tool in identifying the most efficient interventions. She also detailed how the World Bank is working to de-risk investments, including first loss guarantees, clean cooking finance initiatives, and credit risk guarantees to help local companies access funding, and warned that while carbon credits provide additional revenue streams, they are unlikely to become a dominant source of climate finance.

In the first panel, moderated by Kim O’Dowd of the Environmental Investigation Agency, speakers shared successful financing strategies at the national level. Ange-Benjamin Brida, Senior Climate Change Advisor at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Côte d’Ivoire, discussed how Côte d’Ivoire has enhanced its institutional capacity to access international funds, particularly through NDC 3.0. He emphasized the need for stronger country ownership of financing mechanisms to ensure that funding aligns with national priorities.

Ranjila Singh, Mitigation Specialist and Head of Unit at the Climate Change Division, Office of the Prime Minister, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s Climate Action Trust Fund, which finances adaptation infrastructure and solar energy projects aligned with the Paris Agreement. She described how the Pacific NDC Hub, hosted by Fiji and supporting 15 regional countries, is helping streamline access to climate finance by enhancing technical capacity and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Katia Queiroz, Climate Change Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), discussed how the IDB is strengthening finance access in Latin America and the Caribbean through blended finance mechanisms, green bonds, and investment-ready waste projects under the Too Good to Waste program. She highlighted efforts to incorporate methane mitigation into carbon markets and climate funds while prioritizing high-emission sectors.

The second panel brought a broader financial perspective, exploring the barriers and opportunities in leveraging private sector capital. Rita Effah, Africa Climate Change Fund Coordinator at the African Development Bank (AfDB), pointed out that methane finance remains a small fraction of overall climate finance, as most development bank investments are still directed toward CO₂-heavy sectors like transport and energy. She explained how the AfDB’s African Climate Change Fund is now prioritizing SLCP mitigation, with a $10 million fund supporting methane reduction projects at the local level.

Henrique Bezerra, Regional Lead for Latin America at the Global Methane Hub, stressed the importance of philanthropy in catalyzing public finance through multilateral development banks. He pointed to the need for better alignment between funding availability and project readiness, arguing that finance gaps are often not due to a lack of capital but to a mismatch between project design and investment requirements. He also emphasized that regulatory enforcement plays a crucial role—many oil and gas companies could invest significantly in methane mitigation but often lack the necessary policy incentives or mandates.

Nuru Lama, Global Lead for Waste & Circularity at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), identified structural barriers in the waste sector, noting that capital expenditure is not always the main challenge—operational expenditure remains a major hurdle, particularly in waste management. He highlighted how government subsidies, such as for chemical fertilizers, can undermine the economic viability of compost and other circular economy solutions. He called for concessional finance and targeted grants to help scale up sustainable waste management.

Masako Ogawa, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Environment, Japan, closed the session by stressing that sequencing finance effectively is critical— stating that countries must build capacity and structure their financial ecosystems before large-scale funding can be effectively deployed. She introduced Japan’s technology transfer initiative under Article 6.2, a partnership with 29 countries aimed at supporting super pollutant mitigation through market-based mechanisms. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive NDCs that fully integrate short-lived climate pollutants to unlock broader finance opportunities.

The session made one thing clear: finance exists, but unlocking it requires stronger coordination, clearer targets, and innovative financial structures. While countries must align their policies with investment priorities, financial institutions must also bridge gaps in accessibility and better integrate super pollutant finance into mainstream climate funding. The challenge now is not just securing more money, but ensuring it flows where it is needed most, with the greatest impact.

Breakout Session – Cooling: Increased Ambition  

The Breakout Session on Cooling: Increased Ambition reinforced the critical role of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment in addressing climate change through the reduction of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions. Experts highlighted that accelerating the HFC phase-down is one of the most effective and immediate strategies for reducing global temperature rise. Additionally, integrating energy efficiency improvements in cooling appliances could significantly amplify climate benefits, reducing emissions while lowering energy demand. However, achieving these gains requires stronger alignment between the Montreal Protocol and Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement to maximize impact.

The session also addressed environmental dumping, where outdated and inefficient cooling appliances are exported to developing countries, increasing emissions and placing economic strain on consumers. Organizations including CLASP and the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD) underscored the need for stronger regulations and enforcement to prevent this practice. Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Brazil, emphasized that sustainable cooling solutions must be equitably available, ensuring developing markets are not left behind. Discussions also focused on financing mechanisms, with organizations such as ClimateWorks stressing that ambitious initiatives are more likely to attract funding, underscoring the importance of scaling up commitments. The session concluded with a call for enhanced regulatory frameworks, greater financial support, and deeper collaboration between policymakers, industry, and international institutions to ensure sustainable cooling solutions reach all markets and contribute meaningfully to emissions reductions.

Breakout Session – Fossil Fuels: Strategic Importance of Methane Management for Countries

The Breakout Session on Fossil Fuels: The Strategic Importance of Methane Management for Countries reinforced that methane reduction is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to slow global warming—yet action remains far too slow. While 35% of anthropogenic methane emissions come from oil and gas, most can be cut at no net cost, making it a missed opportunity for climate action. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger regulations, financial incentives, and accountability, as voluntary corporate efforts alone will not be enough. The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasized that methane mitigation is a no-regrets measure for governments, calling for better monitoring, stricter enforcement, and elimination of non-emergency venting and flaring.

Panelists from the Carbon Containment Lab, Clean Air Task Force, and International Finance Corporation stressed that safety and financial regulations are key drivers of methane reduction, yet many companies still fail to act despite clear economic benefits. The dumping of outdated fossil fuel technologies and weak enforcement on methane leaks continue to hinder progress, particularly in oil, gas, and coal operations. Coal mine methane remains a persistent issue, as emissions continue even after mining stops, making regulation and financial incentives crucial. A representative from Petrobras highlighted the company’s $1 billion investment in decarbonization but emphasized that without clear government regulations, progress will remain inconsistent and vulnerable to market and political shifts. While some countries are advancing mandatory methane controls and investment strategies, global efforts remain fragmented. The session’s conclusion was clear: with strong policies, targeted investments, and international cooperation, methane reductions can deliver immediate climate benefits and accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Breakout Session - Household Energy: Advancing Clean Cooking  

The Breakout Session on Household Energy: Advancing Clean Cooking spotlighted the urgent need to scale up clean cooking solutions to address both climate change and public health challenges. The International Energy Agency (IEA) shared a video presentation outlining key global trends, including its motivation for hosting the Africa Clean Cooking Summit in May 2024, where over 130 organizations and 22 African governments endorsed the Clean Cooking Declaration and helped mobilize $2.2 billion in new financing and investments from public and private sources. IEA announced plans to track this funding in a summer 2025 report and to facilitate further funding opportunities through global dialogues. Additionally, it will convene a Carbon Credit Task Force to promote high-integrity carbon credit generation and purchases, ensuring that carbon markets support clean cooking adoption.

The session also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate clean cooking into broader climate and health agendas. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that air pollution and climate change share the same root causes, making clean cooking a crucial intervention for both. WHO discussed the upcoming Conference on Air Pollution and Health (March 24-28, 2025, in Cartagena, Colombia) and its ongoing work to integrate health considerations into NDCs. Meanwhile, Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) introduced a metered methodology for black carbon measurement, an add-on to the existing methodology, which aims to simplify emissions tracking and enhance the credibility of carbon finance mechanisms. Discussions reinforced that clean cooking is more than a household issue—it is a global priority requiring ambitious finance, policy integration, and innovative solutions to drive lasting impact.

Breakout Session – GMI/Biogas Meeting

The Breakout Session on Building Capacity, Sharing Experiences, and Utilizing Tools to Reduce Methane Emissions, hosted by the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) Biogas Subcommittee, explored strategies to expand biogas solutions in agriculture, municipal solid waste, and wastewater sectors. The session emphasized the critical role of biogas in methane mitigation, highlighting opportunities to turn organic waste into clean energy while reducing emissions. Speakers underscored that successful biogas projects require strong policy support, investment in infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact.

Panelists from the World Biogas Association, World Bank, ImplementaSur, and government agencies from Brazil and Ethiopia shared experiences from global projects, identifying key barriers such as financing gaps, inconsistent regulations, and technical capacity constraints. The discussion stressed the need for clear policy frameworks to incentivize biogas adoption, as well as knowledge-sharing platforms to support project developers and policymakers. The session concluded with a call to scale up investment, strengthen regulatory support, and foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders. With the right tools and policies in place, biogas can play a transformative role in reducing methane emissions while advancing clean energy solutions worldwide.

Breakout Session - Cooling: CCAC Cooling Projects

The Breakout Session on CCAC Cooling Projects showcased ongoing efforts to advance sustainable cooling technologies, HFC mitigation, and energy efficiency through various Climate and Clean Air Coalition initiatives. The discussion highlighted the progress of international agreements, country-specific strategies, and opportunities for funding and collaboration. Presenters shared regional case studies, emphasizing policy development, capacity building, and technological innovation to reduce emissions from the cooling sector.

Key projects included solar-powered cold storage in Kenya to reduce post-harvest losses in fisheries, Phase Change Material technology for energy-efficient refrigeration, and district cooling feasibility studies aimed at improving system efficiency. Countries are increasingly integrating cooling strategies into their Nationally Determined Contributions, supported by measures such as minimum energy performance standards, labeling programs, and training initiatives for refrigeration technicians. Regional cooling action plans are being developed across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of financial mechanisms and international collaboration to sustain these projects.

The session underscored that technology alone is not enough—policy alignment, financial investment, and industry engagement are essential for long-term success. Discussions also highlighted the role of organizations like UNEP, the World Bank, and the CCAC Cooling Hub in driving scalable solutions. Looking ahead, participants stressed the need for more demonstration projects, expanded training programs, and regional coordination to accelerate progress. The takeaway was clear: transformative cooling solutions are already being implemented, but broader collaboration and investment are needed to ensure their long-term impact.

Breakout Session – Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP): A Rapid Path Towards Effective Regulation  

The Breakout Session on the Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP): A Rapid Path Towards Effective Regulation, emphasized the critical role of regulation in methane mitigation and the urgent need to move beyond voluntary measures. While market-driven efforts can achieve some reductions, long-term success depends on clear, enforceable policies that create accountability at all levels. The discussion highlighted that strong methane regulations are not only possible but already exist in several countries, providing valuable lessons for scaling up action.

Experts emphasized that regulation must be tailored to national contexts, addressing key challenges such as limited enforcement capacity, financial constraints, and technical expertise gaps. The CCAC has supported national efforts, including methane emissions monitoring and mitigation policy development in Iraq, where vapor recovery and regulatory improvements are underway. Organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) underscored the health and economic benefits of methane reduction, noting that leaks from oil and gas infrastructure release toxic pollutants that impact surrounding communities. The discussion also explored the role of satellite technology in improving monitoring and enforcement, with participants stressing the need for greater accessibility and tailored applications for regulators.

Country representatives from Argentina, Fiji, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iraq shared experiences in navigating regulatory development, harmonizing laws across jurisdictions, and aligning with international climate commitments. A key takeaway was that technical and financial support must be sustained from policy design to implementation, ensuring methane regulations translate into real emissions reductions. The FFRP was recognized as a key tool, providing customized, high-impact regulatory support to accelerate progress. The session concluded with a strong consensus: effective methane regulation is achievable, necessary, and already making an impact—but sustained leadership and international collaboration are essential to scale up success.

Breakout Session – Household Energy: Coordinating Support for National Governments

The Breakout Session on Household Energy: Coordinating Support for National Governments explored strategies to advance clean cooking solutions through multisectoral collaboration, policy innovation, and sustainable financing. Discussions emphasized that clean cooking is not just an energy issue—it is a public health, environmental, and equity priority. Experts shared case studies from Mexico, Kenya, Latin America, and the Caribbean, highlighting successes and challenges in phasing out polluting fuels like kerosene and biomass while ensuring affordable, culturally appropriate alternatives.

Panelists stressed that community participation, regional coordination, and stronger governance structures are key to long-term success. In Mexico, integrating health and air quality data into local initiatives has helped build momentum, while Kenya has engaged research institutions and commercial banks to explore financing options for clean cooking projects. Latin American experts highlighted the growing opportunity to phase out kerosene, with some countries setting ambitious targets to reach near-zero household reliance on the fuel. Participants agreed that financing remains a major barrier—a plan without funding cannot be delivered—and called for better integration of clean cooking into climate finance mechanisms.

The session reinforced the need for holistic solutions that go beyond technology, addressing affordability, policy incentives, and infrastructure gaps. Panelists also noted that clean cooking efforts should not be treated as short-term projects but as long-term development decisions to ensure sustained impact. The discussion concluded with a call for increased cross-sectoral collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovative financial mechanisms to accelerate progress. The momentum is building, but broader coordination and investment will be essential to achieving universal access to clean cooking solutions.

Breakout Session – Scaling up Action Through the CCAC TEAP  

The Breakout Session on Scaling Up the CCAC Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) focused on advancing innovative, underfunded super pollutant mitigation measures through policy alignment and investment. TEAP, co-chaired by Ireland and Senegal, was created to bridge knowledge gaps, assess economic feasibility, and unlock funding for impactful climate solutions. The session showcased key TEAP reports, including launching the new Black Soldier Fly report, which explores how insect-based composting can reduce methane emissions while creating valuable economic byproducts. Additionally, ongoing research on biocovers and landfill management was discussed, highlighting their potential for methane mitigation in waste management systems. The digital extension services TEAP report was also presented, demonstrating how technology-driven advisory services can improve livestock productivity while lowering methane emissions.

Despite the availability of proven mitigation technologies, experts highlighted persistent barriers, including financing challenges, regulatory constraints, and gaps in implementation capacity. The World Bank stressed the importance of translating complex scientific findings into accessible investment opportunities, while panelists emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between policymakers, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders to scale up deployment. The discussion reinforced that TEAP plays a crucial role in connecting high-impact technologies with funding mechanisms. Moving forward, participants called for expanding TEAP’s research, increasing engagement with financial institutions, and identifying new scalable solutions to accelerate climate action.

Closing Plenary – Now We Can: Championing Climate and Clean Air Action on the Road to COP30  

The closing plenary of the 2025 Climate and Clean Air Conference reinforced the urgency of super pollutant mitigation and the importance of moving from commitments to action. Speakers emphasized the need to integrate ambitious policies into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0), highlighting the economic case for super pollutant reduction and underscoring the importance of science-driven policymaking. With COP30 approaching, discussions centered on how to accelerate implementation, engage subnational governments, and leverage financial mechanisms for transformative change.  

Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, opened the session by reflecting on the week’s intensity and momentum, likening it to a marathon that requires endurance and collaboration. She underscored the importance of science-based policymaking and highlighted the CCAC’s role in bridging knowledge gaps and informing implementation and expressed gratitude to the Government of Brazil for its leadership and warm hospitality and welcomed the United Kingdom as the new CCAC Co-Chair. Lottie Cantle, Deputy Director at the UK Cabinet Office, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to tackling super pollutants and integrating them into ambitious climate strategies, emphasizing the need to maintain strong narratives and collaboration leading up to COP30.

Drew Shindell, Chair of the CCAC Scientific Advisory Panel, reinforced that urgent action on super pollutants is not just an environmental imperative but an economic opportunity. He pointed to methane reduction in the fossil fuel sector as a clear example of cost-effective mitigation and warned of the increasingly severe climate impacts, including heatwaves and worsening air pollution, that make swift action necessary. He stressed that super pollutant mitigation is one of the most immediate ways to reduce suffering and called on governments to move beyond pledges to concrete implementation.

Moderated by Claire Henly, Executive Director of the Super Pollutant Field Catalyst, a closing panel discussion brought together key country representatives to discuss strategies for scaling climate and clean air action. Adalberto Maluf, National Secretary of Urban Environment, Water Resources, and Environmental Quality, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, and CCAC Co-Chair, emphasized that COP30 represents a pivotal moment for implementation. He highlighted the progress Brazil has already made in reducing fossil fuel subsidies and the country’s commitment to involving subnational governments in methane reduction efforts across sectors, particularly in waste and transport. Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change, highlighted the country’s leadership on methane mitigation and its success in integrating super pollutants into its NDC. She emphasized the need for more research, capacity-building, and stronger collaboration with civil society and the private sector to drive accountability and implementation. Masako Ogawa, Deputy Director General at Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, shared Japan’s experience in integrating all super pollutants into its NDCs and highlighted the country’s commitment to subnational cooperation, particularly through city-led initiatives to regulate black carbon emissions from heavy vehicles. Su McCluskey, Special Representative for Agriculture, Australia, called for shifting the narrative around agriculture, positioning it as a key player in climate solutions. She underscored the importance of financial mechanisms, including carbon and biodiversity credits, incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices and driving methane reduction.

As the session concluded, Adalberto Maluf emphasized that super pollutant mitigation is not just about climate, it is about public health and economic resilience. He reiterated Brazil’s commitment to collaboration on climate, air quality, and biodiversity and urged immediate action. He closed the conference with a call to maintain momentum, reminding participants that even in the face of political and economic challenges, the fight for a livable future must continue.  

COP30, he stressed, is an opportunity to turn words into action, and Brazil stands ready to lead.