Global Efforts to Reduce Methane Emissions Gain Momentum at COP28

Around 50 oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil and Saudi Arabia's Aramco, have pledged to reduce methane leaks to "near zero" by 2030, a move that could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pledge, announced at the COP28 climate conference, has been criticized by some environmental groups as a greenwashing effort. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and controlling its emissions is seen as an effective and cost-efficient way to combat climate change. The agreement will be monitored by environmental organizations using satellite technology for accountability. The US Environmental Protection Agency also announced a final rule on methane pollution, aiming to reduce emissions from the US oil and gas industry by 80%.