Overview
The Authority is examining how Australia can accelerate reductions in fossil methane emissions - one of the most practical and impactful opportunities for near-term methane abatement in Australia.
Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, but has a shorter atmospheric lifetime, meaning reductions now can deliver rapid climate benefits and help slow warming over the next decade. Fossil methane — primarily from coal mining and gas production — accounts for approximately 24% of Australia's methane emissions, or around 7% of total national emissions. Unlike biogenic methane from livestock, fossil methane often arises from concentrated sources such as venting, leaks, and flaring, where well-established abatement technologies and practices are already available.
Through this project, the Authority is seeking to identify how Australia can go further and faster in reducing fossil methane emissions and maximise near-term climate benefits. This review actions the Climate Change Authority’s recommendation 5 from our 2025 Annual Progress Report.
Project priorities
This project focuses on practical actions to accelerate fossil methane abatement across the coal and gas sectors including:
- Identifying near-term abatement opportunities
- Understanding barriers to uptake
- Assessing effectiveness of current policies
- Exploring additional policy options.
Milestones
The project can inform the Authority’s advice to the Government’s 2026–27 review of the Safeguard Mechanism and broader emissions reduction policy settings.
- June – July 2026: Public consultation - Fossil Methane Consultation Paper
- Mid-2026: Stakeholder engagement and consultation activities
- Late 2026: Authority develops analysis and recommendations
- November 2026: Advice delivered as part of the 2026 Annual Progress Advice to Government.
Consultation
The Authority is currently seeking input into this project. A public consultation opened on 11 June 2026 and will close on 7 August 2026. To find out more, visit our consultation hub(Opens in a new tab/window).
Open for public submissions now - Fossil Methane Consultation Paper
Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest ways to limit near-term warming and support Australia’s climate goals. Stakeholders are invited to respond to as many consultation questions as relevant and provide supporting evidence or analysis.