The Global Methane Pledge aims to reduce global anthropogenic methane emissions by 30% by 2030 relative to 2020 levels. With agriculture contributing nearly half of global methane emissions, reducing emissions from this sector is crucial to achieving climate goals. Methane’s short atmospheric lifetime and high global warming potential make rapid reductions an essential strategy for both near-term climate benefits and long-term sustainability.

This report provides a comprehensive guide to the most promising technologies for agricultural methane mitigation, incorporating the latest evidence. It focuses on three primary sources of emissions:

  1. Enteric fermentation from livestock digestion: Cattle, sheep, and goats produce methane as a byproduct of digestion. Microorganisms in their stomachs break down food, generating methane, which is released through burping. Ruminant livestock account for over 55-60% of agriculture’s methane emissions, while non-ruminants like pigs and horses contribute far less.
  2. Manure management: How livestock manure is handled affects methane production. Wet systems, such as storage in lagoons or tanks, create ideal conditions for methane-producing microorganisms. In contrast, dry systems—like solid storage or solar drying—emit less methane. Dairy animals and swine production contribute the most to manure management methane emissions. Manure management contributes 6-8% of agricultural methane emissions.
  3. Rice cultivation: Flooded rice fields create oxygen-poor conditions that promote methane production. The gas escapes mainly through the rice plants themselves or as bubbles rising from the soil. Factors like irrigation methods, soil type, and fertilizer use impact emissions. Rice farming is responsible for 18-20% of agricultural methane emissions.

The analysis highlights cost-effective and scalable solutions but also emphasizes the need for yield improvements in crops and livestock to enhance food security while lowering methane emissions. Technological options that can quickly reduce methane are available, and include but are not limited to methane-inhibiting feed additives, solid-liquid separation of manure and changes to irrigation practices in rice cultivation. Despite the availability of these solutions, adoption remains limited, largely due to technological and economic barriers. Most mitigation options would also benefit from further research and development to refine and improve them.

Scaling up these approaches requires increased private sector engagement, government support, and harmonized policies. Many of the most effective strategies have a relatively low cost per ton of CO₂e mitigated, making them attractive options for climate action.

Rapid action in agricultural methane mitigation will be key to meeting both the Global Methane Pledge 2030 target and the 2050 climate goals of the Paris Agreement. Strengthening and mobilizing financial resources towards research, development, and deployment efforts will be essential to achieving widespread adoption and maximizing the climate benefits of methane reduction.