Story perspectives

Urban Methane Emissions Surge 6% Since 2019, Study Reveals

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Global urban methane emissions rose 6% from 2019 to 2023, with C40 cities rising similarly.
Accounting estimates project 1.7% to 3.7% increase, smaller than observed.
The University of Michigan-led study, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), found urban emissions accounted for 10% of all methane in 2023.
Higher-resolution measurements are needed to identify methane sources and guide policy, as cities may need to address 2 teragrams annually.

1 of 1

Story summary

Global urban methane emissions rose 6% from 2019 to 2023, with C40 cities rising similarly.
Accounting estimates project 1.7% to 3.7% increase, smaller than observed.
The University of Michigan-led study, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), found urban emissions accounted for 10% of all methane in 2023.
Higher-resolution measurements are needed to identify methane sources and guide policy, as cities may need to address 2 teragrams annually.