Introduction

A new study shows that the EU could cut as much as 68% of its domestic methane emissions by 2030 if it implemented all the available mitigation measures across high-emitting sectors. The EU, as one of the instigators of the Global Methane Pledge, has committed to significantly reducing methane emissions by 2030. But a new study, undertaken by environmental consultancy CE Delft for the Changing Markets Foundation, concludes that it will be very difficult – if not impossible – to achieve this without introducing additional measures in the meat and dairy industries, which produce over half of domestic methane emissions. The study investigates the potential of methane reductions across different EU sectors. It found that the biggest methane reductions – up to 36% – could come from tackling emissions in the agriculture sector. This briefing summarises the main findings of the study and highlights key policy priorities that the EU should adopt now in the agriculture sector in order to realise significant methane reductions in line with its climate commitments.