Reducing methane emissions

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with at least 28 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year period. Scientists estimate that methane is responsible for 30% of observed global warming to date and that the level of atmospheric methane continues to rise.

Methane is classified as a short-lived climate pollutant, meaning it stays in the atmosphere for a short time compared to other gases like CO₂. As a result, actions to cut methane emissions will quickly lower their atmospheric concentrations and lead to a relatively quick climate response. Taking action to reduce emissions is one of the fastest, most cost-effective things we can do to fight climate change, protect our environment, and keep our air clean.

Canada’s methane emissions

What we’re doing

Canada’s Methane Strategy

Canada’s Methane Strategy provides a pathway to further reduce methane emissions from across the economy. It builds on Canada’s progress and commitments since 2015, including the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

• Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy (September 2022)

Recent actions to reduce methane

• June 2024: Environment and Climate Change Canada released draft regulations to reduce landfill methane emissions for a 60-day consultation period.
• December 2023: Environment and Climate Change Canada released draft enhanced oil and gas methane regulations for a 60-day consultation period.
• November 2023: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge to reduce methane emissions produced by cattle.
• September 2023: Environment and Climate Change Canada released an update on path forward for oil and gas sector methane mitigation to highlight key actions the Government of Canada will take to drive as many sources to near zero as possible and ensure at least a 75% reduction in oil and gas methane emissions by 2030.
• April 2023: Environment and Climate Change Canada released a proposed regulatory framework for new federal regulations to reduce methane emissions from landfills by 50% by 2030.
• November 2022: Environment and Climate Change Canada published a proposed methane regulations framework outlining the main elements being considered for reducing oil and gas methane emissions.
• March 2022: Canada launched the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which includes reducing methane emissions as a key part of reaching the emissions reduction target of 40–45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
• January 2022: Environment and Climate Change Canada released a discussion paper outlining options for reducing methane emissions from Canada’s landfills.
• November 2021: Canada joined over 100 countries in supporting the Global Methane Pledge to work collectively towards reducing human-caused methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
• October 2021: Canada was the first country to commit to a 75% reduction in methane emissions from its oil and gas sector from 2012 levels by 2030.

Cleaner oil and gas sector

Canada was one of the first countries in the world to regulate methane emissions from the oil and gas sector at the national level. It is also the first country to commit to developing a plan that includes regulations of at least a 75% reduction by 2030, from 2012 levels. Reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector includes many low-cost solutions and is one of most effective ways to slow the pace of climate warming. Although the sector is a major economic contributor to the economy, it is also the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, the sector produced 38% of Canada’s methane emissions.

• Oil and gas methane regulations
• Oil and gas emissions cap
• Emissions Reduction Fund
• Clean Fuel Regulations
• Output-Based Pricing System

Sustainable agriculture

Agriculture plays an essential role in the economy, and Canada’s farmers help feed the world. Canadian farmers will remain key partners in developing and implementing solutions to tackle climate change and build resilience.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian farmers and industry partners who are taking action to reduce emissions, sequester carbon and make their operations more sustainable, productive and competitive.

• Climate change impacts on agriculture

Capturing landfill methane emissions

Capturing and destroying methane emissions from landfills provides Canadian municipalities with economic and health benefits. These emissions account for 17% of Canada’s total methane emissions.

• Landfill methane regulations
• Landfill methane recovery and destruction
• Waste and greenhouse gases: Canada’s actions

Measurement, research, innovation and reporting

Canada is a global leader in developing and implementing innovative technologies to detect, track and address methane emissions. We will continue to develop and share innovations in methane science as accurate measurement and quantification of methane is critical to achieving Canada’s methane targets.

Measuring and reporting methane emissions

• National Inventory Report
• Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

Supporting Canadian Science and Research

Government of Canada scientists work closely with academia and other experts to study and monitor methane emissions.

• Chasing after methane’s ultra-emitters
• Investigation of the Spatial Distribution of Methane Sources in the Greater Toronto Area Using Mobile Gas Monitoring Systems | Environmental Science & Technology
• Eight-Year Estimates of Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Operations in Western Canada Are Nearly Twice Those Reported in Inventories
• Analysis of atmospheric CH₄ in Canadian Arctic and estimation of the regional CH₄ fluxes
• Quantification of methane sources in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region of Alberta by aircraft mass balance
• Where the Methane Is—Insights from Novel Airborne LiDAR Measurements Combined with Ground Survey Data

Supporting clean technology development

As global momentum to reduce methane emissions continues to grow, Canada’s clean technology innovations will provide solutions needed to help accelerate the pace. This strategy advances Canada’s expertise on methane technologies in order to capitalize on the $3.6 trillion clean tech market, creating green energy jobs now and in the future.

• Government of Canada supports world-leading Canadian satellite-based emissions detection system (news release)

Supporting global methane emissions reductions

Canada is providing global leadership and support to tackle methane emissions around the world. From innovative clean tech solutions, financial assistance to developing countries and participation in international climate initiatives to help other countries reduce their methane emissions, we are helping to ensure a cleaner, healthier planet.

• Global Methane Pledge
• Global Methane Pledge Energy Pathway
• Global Methane Initiative
• Climate and Clean Air Coalition
• Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
• International Climate Finance
• Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership and Climate Dialogue