Methane is responsible for 30% of global warming – so why is the EU trying to delay rules to cut it?

“Methane is the quickest brake we have on warming this decade. Before ministers agree to ease off it, I'd ask them to look very carefully at what it actually costs.”

The EU has proposed to delay new rules to cut planet-warming emissions from methane, saying a delay would “relax” pressure on energy markets and therefore cut oil and gas prices.

EU energy chief Dan Jorgensen, under pressure from France and industry lobbyists, suggested the rules be pushed back by one year. He held talks with energy ministers from the bloc’s 27 nations earlier this week

Methane is responsible for about 30 per cent of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution, meaning it made a significant contribution to the record-breaking heatwaves which gripped Europe this summer and led to at least 35,000 excess deaths.

What is the new methane regulation, will it really push up oil and gas prices and how harmful are methane emissions?

A little known greenhouse gas is quietly harming half of Europeans. This Italian city is hit hardest

How is the EU trying to cut methane emissions and why is industry opposing it?

Since 2024, EU member states have been required to measure, report and check methane emissions and ensure mitigation efforts, such as detecting and repairing methane leaks.

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