CCAC Newsletter - October 2025

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Pre-COP Message from Martina Otto, Head of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat

 

“As countries prepare to gather in Belém for COP30, momentum to act on methane and other super pollutants, the world’s climate emergency brake, has never been stronger. The CCAC has recently welcomed its 100th State Partner, and partners have just approved the partnership’s largest-ever work plan and budget for 2026, a strong vote of confidence in our mission at a time of global resource constraints.  

 

It reflects the emphasis on implementation. For the emergency brake to work, we need to pull it fast and forcefully. To support countries to do exactly that, we looked at what worked well in the Montreal Protocol, and are putting into place an efficient implementation structure - the new Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator is one and the TEAP another puzzle piece.

 

There will be acceleration plans under different Action Agenda axis, across CCAC priority sectors, building on outcomes of the last COP, and filling gaps.”


CCAC at COP30

As the world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil for COP30, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is accelerating action on super-pollutants with a series of major launches and events — delivering immediate benefits for people, ecosystems, and the planet.

 

Launch of the Global Methane Status Report

The report offers the clearest picture yet of progress on methane abatement since 2021 as well as an assessment of the remaining gap to achieve the Global Methane Pledge (GMP).

Register for the launch

Launch of Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator

The Accelerator is a new 3-year, programme that enables countries to embed dedicated coordination teams within participating governments to drive super pollutant action.  

Read more

Launch of Farmers’ Initiative for Resilient and Sustainable Transformations (FIRST)

This flagship, to be unveiled at the joint CCAC-FAO Agriculture and Climate “FAST” Ministerial, funds emissions reduction projects across the agricultural sector.

Read more

New findings from the CCAC Technology and Economic Assessment Panel

The CCAC-TEAP to share its new report on Digital Services for Rice: Driving Investment for Climate and Food Security, spotlighting digital innovation as a catalyst for sustainable, super pollutants-smart rice systems.  

Read more

Super Pollutant Pavilion

The Super Pollutant Pavilion is hosting a full programme, organized in partnership with the Clean Air Fund, Global Methane Hub, the Super Pollutant Action Alliance.

Find the full programme here


updates

 

G20 Adopts Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality

South Africa, the CCAC’s newest State Partner, is continuing its legacy of bold leadership on air quality, most recently through its G20 Presidency, which has adopted the Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality — an unprecedented commitment by G20 members to scale up data, finance, and community support for cleaner air. The Declaration marks the first time air pollution has risen to the top of the forum’s global agenda, signaling growing international recognition of its links to climate and health. As South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr. Dion George, wrote, “Clean air is not a peripheral issue; it is central to achieving climate goals, health targets, and sustainable growth.”

Ministers also welcomed the South African Presidency’s commitment to convene a technical workshop to continue discussions on air quality among G20 Members, on a voluntary basis, to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote collective progress.

Read the Declaration


CCAC Launches New Country Programme

At COP30, the CCAC will launch the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator, a new 3-year, programme to help governments in ODA-eligible countries to drive deep and sustained reductions in super pollutant emissions. The Accelerator enables countries to embed dedicated coordination teams within participating governments and support them through 4 to 5 tailored technical assistance projects, enabling coordinated national delivery across at least three super pollutant sectors.  

The first cohort of at least 5 countries, to be announced at COP30, will include those demonstrating strong political commitment, readiness for policy and regulatory action, and regional leadership. Building on lessons from the success of the Montreal Protocol, the programme applies its proven implementation model to accelerate action on super pollutants. The Accelerator aims to engage up to 30 countries by 2030 and to mobilise an estimated USD 150 million in grant funding and complementary finance from development partners. Opportunities will be available for CCAC partner countries to apply as the programme grows.  

Read more

 


New CCAC funding opportunities now open!

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is inviting proposals for projects advancing national policy and mitigation actions on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).

 

Current calls include:

Apply before November 13


What’s new on AQMx?  

 

 


Latin America and the Caribbean unite to tackle waste methane

 

At the XXIV Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean in Lima, ministers from 33 countries endorsed the Regional Cooperation Programme for Reducing Methane Emissions from Organic Waste and Closing Dumpsites. Developed with support from the UNEP Latin America and Caribbean Office and the CCAC Secretariat, the Programme sets ambitious regional goals: a 30% reduction in methane emissions from waste by 2030, diversion of 30% of organic waste by 2035, and the complete end of organic waste disposal in landfills by 2040. This milestone marks a major step toward integrated, circular waste management and positions the region as a leader in global methane mitigation ahead of COP30.

 

Read more about the Programme


South Asia commits to eliminating the open burning of waste

 

Government representatives, civil society leaders, and technical experts adopted the Kathmandu Declaration on Transformative Action to End Open Burning of Waste in South Asia, representing a shared regional commitment to eliminate open waste burning — a major source of black carbon and other short-lived climate pollutants — through stronger policies, new investment in sustainable waste systems, and coordinated regional action. This milestone outcome was supported by the CCAC-funded regional waste initiative, which is working on eliminating open burning of waste through regional roadmaps and city pilot.  

 

Read the Kathmandu Declaration


New plan outlines the UK’s methane reduction actions nationally and globally

 

 

Remote video URL

 

The UK’s Methane Action Plan summarises the key actions the country has taken to drive progress to date and will take to tackle remaining methane emissions. The report highlights the UK's role as co-Chair of the CCAC and its efforts to ensure other countries also have confidence in available data on methane emissions.

 

Read the report


Job opportunity in super pollutant action!

 

The Super Pollutant Action Alliance (SPAA) — a philanthropic collaborative backed by leading climate foundations — is hiring a Program Officer based in Washington, D.C. to help build and manage its global grant portfolio aimed at cutting methane, black carbon, and other super pollutants. This is a unique opportunity to shape high-impact climate strategies at the intersection of policy, science, and philanthropy.

Apply by 15 November 2025

 


Methane mitigation takes center-stage at 2025 Paris Peace Forum

 

Photo credit: Paris Peace Forum

Methane action is critical to bringing us back on a path compatible with what science tells us is needed and was agreed in the Paris Agreement. This was a key message coming out of the 2025 Paris Peace Forum, which marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. In the high-level roundtable themed “Reducing Methane Emissions from the Energy Sector”, participants underscored that rapid action on methane is both high-impact and cost-effective, with the energy sector representing a major source and a particularly easy win. Measurement and reporting advances have enabled companies to target their responses. Regulation has demonstrated that it works to bring down methane intensity - from upstream to downstream. Nationally Determined Contributions that are being submitted ahead of COP increasingly include methane action, including in this sector - now covering about 60% of this sector's emissions.  

 

“We’re moving in the right direction but not fast enough,” said Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, calling for a partnership approach between buying and producing countries to reward top performance in methane intensity and bring up the floor.  

 

 

Addressing how governments can make methane mitigation efforts equitable, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, emphasized the need to match ambition with resources: "For the last six or seven years I've been making the simple point that capacity must match commitment. If not, you're going to create first class and second-class citizens in terms of countries. The reality is that you also have countries that have access to resources that can allow them to finance their way to net zero responsibly. But if you don't allow them, you're not going to have them being able to meet the basic development platforms that they need to make."

 

President Macron closed the first day with a session stressing the need to tackle methane emissions, reforestation, and North-South climate action. Alongside André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, COP30 President and Monique Barbut, French Minister for Ecological Transition, President Macron reaffirmed a strong commitment to decisive climate action: "At the international level, there are two key battles: the battle against methane and the battle against coal."

 


Key Announcements on Methane Emission Mitigation in the Waste Sector at C40 Mayors Summit

 

 

The CCAC announced $500,000 in funding will support cities participating in LOW-M to implement targeted actions that reduce methane emissions from the waste sector. These efforts will focus on strengthening financial mechanisms, data systems, and policy and regulatory frameworks.

  • The Government of Brazil announced an investment of BRL 2 billion (approximately USD 370 million) to advance national initiatives in waste management and the circular economy.
     
  • Global Methane Hub committed USD 10 million to establish a Latin America and the Caribbean regional program. The investment will support municipalities in developing and implementing city-level methane reduction strategies, mobilizing data, finance, and policy innovation to deliver measurable progress in the years ahead.
     
  • The City of Salvador, Brazil, announced its accession to the LOW-M initiative, reaffirming its commitment to reducing methane emissions from waste. Salvador has already achieved notable climate benefits through landfill biogas capture. By joining LOW-M, the city aims to further strengthen its integrated approach, linking climate action with broader social and environmental co-benefits.

Togo releases new national plans to cut methane and improve waste management

 

Togo has released two key planning documents ahead of COP30: the National Roadmap for Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in Solid Waste and the Solid Waste Management Action Plan for Greater Lomé. Together, they outline how the country aims to cut methane emissions by 32% and overall waste sector greenhouse gas emissions by 28.1% by 2030.

 

Developed by CCAP and ImplementaSur under the Recycle Organics program, in collaboration with MERF and supported by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the plans chart a clear path for transformative, methane-focused waste management in Togo.

 

Read the plans here

 


Unlocking Solutions for the Largest Source of Human-Caused Methane

 

Livestock are the single largest source of methane from human activity—producing more than oil and gas, coal, or waste management. Yet solutions for cutting enteric methane, the potent greenhouse gas from ruminant digestion, remain limited. The new Livestock Enteric Methane Mitigation Roadmap, developed by Spark Climate Solutions, provides a strategic guide to the most promising solutions—like feed additives, vaccines, and genetic selection—and identifies the research, investment, and coordination needed to scale them globally. By illuminating where targeted actions can make the biggest impact, this roadmap helps funders, policymakers, and innovators accelerate progress on one of the most powerful levers for reducing global warming.

 

Read the Roadmap


Super Pollutant Gossip

Remote video URL

 

 

Farmers and scientists are teaming up on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a simple rice farming method that can cut methane emissions by nearly half, save 30% of water, and keep yields strong. In this World Food Day episode of Super Pollutant Gossip, hosts Sandra Cavalieri and Ava Bahrami talk with Dr. Bjoern Ole Sander from the International Rice Research Institute about how AWD is transforming rice cultivation and how countries can scale up action now.

 


EVENTS

 

CCAC at COP30

 

At COP30, the CCAC will convene and participate in a series of high-level events bringing together ministers, mayors, and technical leaders to showcase proven solutions, mobilize new commitments, and advance implementation through its flagship initiatives on methane, waste, and agriculture.

 

States and Regions Summit – panel on transformative solutions in energy, industry, and transport

4 November, 2025
10:25 - 11:10
Muesu de Arte Moderna Rio de Janeiro Brazil

 

C40 Waste Event – Cutting Methane and Creating Jobs
4 November, 2025
09:45
Muesu de Arte Moderna Rio de Janeiro Brazil

 

LOW-M Initiative: Enabling Cities to Implement and Scale Waste Methane Solutions
10 November, 2025

15:00 - 16:00

COP30, Super Pollutants Pavillion

 

Accelerating the implementation and financing of methane mitigation in the waste sector: pathways to a just and circular transition
12 November, 2025

9:00 - 10:00

COP30, Blue Zone - Brazilian Pavillion

 

Sustainable Nitrogen Management: Collaborative Solutions for Climate, Food Security and Livelihoods
12 November, 2025

9:00 - 10:00

COP30, Food & Agriculture Pavilion

 

Leveraging COP actions to tackle super pollutants and their impacts on air quality

12 November, 2025

17:00 - 18:00

 

LOW-Methane Partnership in Action: Scaling Equitable, Community-Led Waste Methane Solutions
13 November, 2025

11:00 - 13:00

COP30, Room 4

 

Country Leadership in Action: Launching the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator
14 November, 2025

9:00 - 10:00

COP30, Super Pollutant Pavilion

 

Methane as the Emergency Brake on Warming - Global Momentum, Australian Leadership

14 November, 2025
12:00 - 12:40

COP30, Australia Pavilion

 

From Pledges to Progress: Implementing The Global methane Pledge with proven Solutions
14 November, 2025

13:00 - 14:00

COP30, Side Event Room 5

 

Global Action on Food Loss and Waste to Cut Super Pollutants and Reduce Malnutrition
14 November, 2025

15:40 - 17:55

COP30, Agrizone - Auditório A1

 

Global Methane Pledge Ministerial
17 November, 2025

17:00 - 18:30

Special Event Room 2, Hangar Conference Center

 

Cutting methane, boosting livelihoods: A South–South dialogue on livestock futures
18 November, 2025

15:00 - 16:45

COP30, Super Pollutant Pavilion

 

Scaling Up Practical Solutions for Resilient Agri-Food Systems: FAST Partnership and CCAC Ministerial meeting
19 November, 2025

12:30 - 14:00

COP30, SE Room 1

 


CCAC at MOP37

 

At MOP37, the CCAC is co-hosting four events to showcase practical solutions—from tackling environmental dumping and supporting national refrigerant lifecycle plans to scaling solar cold rooms and addressing SF₆ emissions in power grids.

 

Addressing SF₆ in MEAs including the MP: Monitoring, Mitigation, and Alternatives for a Sustainable Grid

3 November, 2025

13:00 - 15:00  

 

Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MACS) Ready for HFC Phaseout with Natural R-290 Refrigerant in All-Electric Vehicles

3 November, 2025

18:00 - 20:00

 

Achieving Multiple Benefits and Quick Results through National Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) Plans

4 November, 2025

13:00 - 15:00

 

Pathways to Stop Environmental Dumping of Climate-Harming Room Air Conditioners: Lessons From Latin America, the Caribbean, and Beyond

6 November, 2025

13:00 - 15:00

 


Launch of the Global Methane Status Report

24 November 2025

Online

 

The Global Methane Status Report offers the clearest picture yet of progress on methane abatement since 2021 as well as an assessment of the remaining gap to achieve the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), and showcases a range of solutions for increased and accelerated action.

 

Register for Session #1 (10:00 CEST)

Register for Session #2 (15:00 CEST)

 


2026 Better Air Quality (BAQ) conference

11 to 13 March 2026

Bangkok, Thailand

 

Clean Air Asia, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), present the 12th Better Air Quality conference (BAQ 2026). The theme for BAQ 2026, Together for Clear Skies: Driving Action, Accelerating Investment, calls for a collective progress on air quality across Asia and the Pacific. BAQ 2026 will convene a wider circle of stakeholders to shape and deliver better air quality outcomes to improve health and well-being and contribute to global climate goals, highlighting the importance of partnerships and investments to accelerate implementation of solutions on the ground.

 

Register here

 


Methane Action for People & Planet: From Discovery to Solutions

30 March - 2 April, 2026

European Commission - Joint Research Centre Ispra Italy

 

Join global leaders in methane science, policy, and innovation at the Methane Action for People & Planet: From Discovery to Solutions, hosted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in partnership with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD), Global Carbon Project (GCP), and Spark Climate Solutions.

 

Register your interest here by 15 November 2025.

 


PARTNERS in ACTION

 

 

As part of the Biomass Utilisation by Insects for Green Solutions in Africa (BUGS) project, operator and farmer workshops held on 1–2 October 2025 brought together nearly 300 participants from across Uganda, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Thirty participants were selected for practical learning modules covering all stages of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) waste processing— from setting up reproduction units and preparing attractants to counting larvae and harvesting. The hands-on training not only strengthened technical capacity but also showcased the potential of BSF technology to turn organic waste into valuable resources while cutting methane emissions.

 

Read more about the project


MEDIA DIGEST

 

World’s climate plans fall drastically short of action needed, analysis shows

Published by The Guardian


Recently drafted climate plans from scores of countries fall drastically short of what is needed to stave off the worst effects of climate breakdown, analysis has shown.

 

Clean air is the new frontier of global cooperation

Published by Al Jazeera

 

Op-ed by Dr. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment for South Africa highlights the G20’s first-ever focus on air quality, a vital step towards protecting health, climate, and sustainable growth.

 

World Falling Short on Methane Pledge, U.N. Report Finds

Published by The New York Times

 

Several agency programs are trying to track and reduce methane emissions around the world. To meet global targets, use of them needs to speed up.

 

Super-warming methane gas is being tackled too slowly, UN says ahead of COP30

Published by Reuters

 

Almost 90% of satellite-detected methane leaks flagged to governments and oil and gas companies are not being acknowledged, the UN said Wednesday ahead of the COP30 climate talks next month.

 


SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

Diurnal Variation and Health Risk Assessment of Anthropogenic VOCs Concentrations in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: a Comparative Study of Traffic and Domestic Fire Sites.

 

Bahino, J. et al.

(Co-authored by the SAP: N'Datchoh Evelyne Toure)  

"This study, part of the DACCIWA-FP7-WP2 project, aims to characterise urban air pollution in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and health risk associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Two contrasting urban sites were examined. A traffic site in Adjamé and a domestic fire site in Yopougon. Air samples were collected using both manual and electric pumps and analysed by gas chromatography, which identified sixteen VOCs, including aromatics, monoterpenes, alkanes, and alkenes (C5-C10).  

 

The analysis in the article indicates that the levels of VOCs concentration indicate a serious health risk for sensitive populations exposed to chronic benzene inhalation. While non-carcinogenic risks remain relatively low, the cancer risks, particularly linked to benzene and ethylbenzene, exceed acceptable limits. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory action and targeted air quality management strategies in Abidjan to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants."  

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and cardiorespiratory mortality: an ecological small-area study in five cities in Colombia

 

Diana Marín et. al.

(Co-authored by the SAP: Luis Carlos Belalcazar)  

"Long-term exposure to the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor for cardiorespiratory mortality. However, little is known about its distribution and health impact in large cities in low-middle-income countries where population exposure has increased during the last decades. This ecological study evaluated the association between PM2.5 concentration and adult cardiorespiratory mortality at the intraurban census sector (CS) level of Colombia’s five most populated cities (2015-2019).  

 

Cardiorespiratory mortality spatially clustered in some Colombian cities and was associated with long-term exposure to PM2.5 in urban areas where the LUR models had the highest predictive accuracy. For example, the study shows high cardiorespiratory in Bogotá , and the long-term exposure to PM2.5 increased the cardiorespiratory mortality in Bucaramanga. These findings highlight the need to incorporate high-quality, high-resolution exposure assessments to better understand the health impact of air pollution and inform public health interventions in urban environments."