Global initiatives

Challenges are released as competitive calls for proposals (CFP) on the CCAC website on a rolling basis.  Each Challenge is framed around a call for proposals  that is open to all eligible not-for-profit organisations.

Proposals are expected to demonstrate innovation, potential for scale, and alignment with CCAC priorities.  

Each Challenge will have unique targeted outcomes, evaluation criteria, and eligibility requirements in line with the objectives of the call. Engagement with sub-national, private sector, and other stakeholders and proposals from consortiums are encouraged.

The CCAC Challenge Programme is looking for projects that will:  

• Validate, adapt, or accelerate implementation of super pollutant mitigation technologies or solutions
• Validate, adapt, or accelerate implementation of super pollutant policy or regulatory approaches
• Develop or implement economic incentives or business models for super pollutant reduction  
• Build regional and global capacity for super pollutant reductions  
• Build new partnerships through consortiums of IGOs, NGOs, and local stakeholders  
• Catalyze funding and investment for super pollutants  

The GMP now has over 155 country participants, representing nearly 50% of global anthropogenic methane emissions.

As of September 2023, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) provides secretariat services to the Global Methane Pledge (GMP).

This function reinforces the CCAC’s core mandate to address methane as part of its broader goal to reduce short-lived climate pollutants while responding to GMP countries' need for support to deliver on their commitment.

As the GMP secretariat, CCAC will work with GMP countries and supporters to strengthen engagement and coordination, track progress, monitor policy actions and project successes, maintain and update resources, provide direct support through one-on-one advice, engage participants and supporters through CCAC hubs, meetings, and the Scientific Advisory Panel, and ministerial engagements.  

The Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP) was created in response to the urgent need to reduce methane emissions from fossil fuel production, which remain a major driver of climate change and threaten global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 °C. Methane emissions are continuing to rise globally, contributing not only to climate warming but also to severe environmental and public health consequences. While reducing fossil fuel demand is essential, it will not happen quickly enough on its own; immediate regulatory action is needed to address preventable emissions from leaks, venting, and flaring. Developing countries, which account for two-thirds of the largest methane emitters in the energy sector, are increasingly seeking support to strengthen their regulatory frameworks, particularly as new international regulations and satellite monitoring technologies increase scrutiny and transparency.

Building on its experience supporting countries such as Iraq and Colombia, and its role as Secretariat for the Global Methane Pledge—which aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030—the CCAC established the FFRP to address regulatory and capacity gaps. The programme provides tailored assistance to developing country governments to help them design, implement, and enforce methane abatement policies and regulations. By strengthening institutional capacity and regulatory oversight, the FFRP enables countries to take fast, effective action to reduce emissions and align with international climate commitments.

From mid-2024 through mid-2027, the FFRP will support up to 20 developing countries, working in partnership with the Clean Air Task Force through a structured process of project assessment, approval, and monitoring. Projects are developed in response to government requests and tailored to national circumstances, including the size of the fossil fuel sector and level of ambition. The programme does not fund private sector fossil fuel operations or activities that would expand fossil fuel production, focusing instead on regulatory and institutional strengthening. Funded through the CCAC Trust Fund and supported by donor governments and philanthropic partners, the FFRP represents a targeted effort to accelerate methane reductions and support developing countries in meeting global climate goals.

Agriculture is on the frontline of the climate crisis, with farmers facing rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and more frequent floods and droughts that threaten food production and livelihoods. At the same time, the sector is a major source of super pollutants, producing 40 percent of global methane, 75 percent of nitrous oxide, and 5 percent of black carbon emissions. Addressing these emissions is essential not only for climate mitigation but also for protecting food systems and rural communities.

The Farmers’ Initiative for Resilient and Sustainable Transformations (FIRST) is a three-year global flagship programme (2026–2028) that helps countries and farmers reduce super pollutant emissions while improving productivity, resilience, and food security. As part of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s solutions pipeline, FIRST supports practical, near-term actions that deliver both climate and economic benefits. The initiative focuses on methane, nitrous oxide, and black carbon from key agricultural sources, including rice production, livestock, fertiliser use, and crop residue burning.

FIRST delivers hands-on support through improved farming practices, technology adoption, and knowledge exchange. This includes promoting better water and soil management, healthier and more productive livestock systems, and alternatives to residue burning. The initiative also strengthens South–South cooperation, enabling countries to share expertise and scale proven solutions. By aligning climate action with farmers’ economic interests, FIRST accelerates the transition to more sustainable, resilient agricultural systems.

Non-road mobile machinery—including equipment used in construction, agriculture, and rail—is a major and growing source of climate and air pollution. The sector emits large quantities of black carbon, methane, and carbon dioxide, with construction machinery alone responsible for about 40 percent of emissions. These super pollutants contribute significantly to near-term warming, while also worsening urban air quality and public health. Without action, emissions are expected to rise as urbanization and infrastructure development accelerate globally.

The Non-Road Mobile Machinery and Engines Strategic Collaboration brings together the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, International Council on Clean Transportation, C40 Cities, and UNEP to address barriers slowing the transition to zero-emission equipment. The initiative focuses on strengthening regulatory frameworks, supporting policy development, and generating the data needed to guide decision-making. By aligning cities, national governments, and industry, the collaboration helps create the enabling conditions required for large-scale adoption of cleaner technologies.

The collaboration also works to stimulate market demand and unlock investment through public-private partnerships, procurement strategies, and targeted financial tools. By supporting implementation, showcasing successful solutions, and building public and political support, the initiative helps accelerate the shift to zero-emission machinery. This transition will reduce climate emissions, improve urban air quality, and protect public health while supporting sustainable urban development worldwide.

Organic waste is one of the largest sources of methane emissions globally, contributing significantly to climate change and worsening air quality. Rapid urbanization and population growth are increasing waste volumes, particularly in developing countries, making methane mitigation in the waste sector essential for achieving global climate goals. Reducing methane from organic waste offers one of the fastest and most cost-effective opportunities to slow near-term warming while delivering public health and environmental benefits.

The Lowering Organic Waste Methane (LOW-Methane) initiative is a global coalition that supports subnational governments in developing and implementing ambitious waste methane reduction strategies. By working with cities and their national counterparts, the initiative helps identify priority actions, strengthen policies and regulations, and align methane reduction efforts with the Global Methane Pledge and the Paris Agreement. LOW-Methane aims to cut one million tonnes of methane emissions annually before 2030 while mobilizing significant public and private investment.

LOW-Methane helps jurisdictions unlock progress by providing access to data, technical assistance, financing solutions, and global expertise. Through tailored portfolios, the initiative identifies high-impact mitigation opportunities and connects governments with partners that can support implementation. By strengthening coordination, building political momentum, and unlocking investment, LOW-Methane accelerates methane reduction in the waste sector while supporting cleaner, more sustainable urban development.

Air pollution is one of the leading environmental threats to human health and a major driver of climate change, causing millions of premature deaths each year while accelerating global warming. Super pollutants such as methane and black carbon contribute significantly to both poor air quality and near-term climate impacts. Many countries lack the technical tools, data, and institutional capacity needed to effectively monitor emissions and implement solutions, despite the availability of proven mitigation measures.

The Clean Air Flagship, launched by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, mobilizes coordinated global action to help countries achieve cleaner air and reduce super pollutants. A central component is the Air Quality Management Exchange Platform (AQMx), which serves as a global hub providing access to technical tools, models, data, and guidance. AQMx strengthens the capacity of air quality managers and supports governments in designing and implementing effective policies aligned with WHO air quality guidelines.

The Flagship also advances regional action through initiatives such as the Africa Clean Air Programme (ACAP), led by the African Union Commission with support from CCAC and UNEP. ACAP provides a continent-wide platform to strengthen air quality governance, implement mitigation measures, and support country-led solutions tailored to regional needs. Together, these efforts accelerate progress toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and climate goals by combining global tools, regional cooperation, and national implementation.