DMEA: Major oil companies pledge to cut methane emissions

About half of the world's oil firms, totalling almost 50 companies, have committed to achieving "near zero" methane emissions and discontinuing routine flaring in their operations by 2030, and achieving net zero by 2050. Environmental organisations have labelled the move a "smokescreen".

Methane emissions significantly contribute to global warming, and a substantial reduction could potentially slow the rise in temperatures.

A prominent climate scientist has estimated that if these companies fulfil their promises, it could reduce future warming by around one-tenth of a degree Celsius, which is roughly the rate at which the Earth is currently warming every five years.