At COP29, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson highlighted a new initiative led by Environmental Defense Fund Europe in collaboration with Deutsche Umwelthilfe and other partner organisations to launch a European Civil Society Observatory on Methane Emissions, a key mechanism to monitor and advocate for methane emissions reductions.

At a time when Europe’s climate goals depend on ambitious and swift action, the Observatory will provide a critical avenue for civil society to demand methane accountability. With five years remaining to reach the 2030 climate targets, this initiative sets out to catalyse fast reductions to pull the emergency brake for global warming and its devastating impacts. 

Methane emissions from human activity are responsible for at least one-third of today's warming and are increasing at the fastest rate since the 1980s. As a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming potential of CO₂ in the first 20 years, methane is the second-largest driver of global warming. The fossil energy sector contributes to over a third of human-caused methane emissions, making reductions in this sector a fast and cost-effective way to combat climate change while transitioning to clean energy.

By harnessing independent data from advanced sources, including UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, satellites like MethaneSAT and others, and engaging national and regional organisations, the Observatory will empower citizens and civil society across Europe to demand transparency and methane abatement from both policymakers and industry.

For the first time, civil society has a dedicated platform to monitor methane emissions and push for enforceable reductions, acting as a “watchdog” on methane emissions and strengthening the enforcement of the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EU MER) while advancing Europe’s decarbonization goals.

Five-Year Vision and Goals to 2030

Over the next five years, the Observatory will empower civil society with clear, data-driven insights to drive meaningful methane reductions across Europe. This initiative is crucial for achieving the EU’s methane targets and establishing methane reduction at the heart of the bloc’s climate strategy.

Helen Spence-Jackson, Executive Director of EDF Europe, says, “The Observatory is giving civil society a seat at the table - a chance to push for real emissions cuts from policymakers and industry alike. Methane, one of the major drivers of climate change, has been overlooked for too long.”

Flavia Sollazzo, EDF Europe’s Senior Director for EU Energy Transition, adds, “With nearly 80% of our gas imports coming from production areas we can now monitor, this data revolution unlocked by satellites goes beyond numbers - it empowers citizens to demand transparency and accountability for methane emissions reductions, one of the most potent climate-wrecking gases. For too long, the EU has outsourced its responsibility for methane pollution, but it is now time to step up as we enter a new era of transparency.”