With 189 member countries, staff from more than 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.  

The World Bank Group works in every major area of development.  We provide a wide array of financial products and technical assistance, and we help countries share and apply innovative knowledge and solutions to the challenges they face.

We face big challenges to help the world’s poorest people and ensure that everyone sees benefits from economic growth. Data and research help us understand these challenges and set priorities, share knowledge of what works, and measure progress.

Photo: Curt Carnemark / World Bank

Given the short-term potency of methane, cost-effective interventions to reduce methane emissions should be an immediate priority for the sectors with the largest emissions. The agriculture, energy, sanitation and waste sectors are collectively responsible for 90-95% of global anthropogenic sources of methane:

The World Bank Group (WBG) has a long record of engagement on methane reduction across the key areas of agriculture, energy, and sanitation and waste. The table below provides examples of extensive WBG work in this area, including various types of project activities that will reduce methane emissions.

The WBG is ramping up support to clients to reduce methane emissions. WBG support can include a wide range of interventions including analytical work, capacity building, support on regulatory reforms, leak detection/monitoring, investment prefeasibility studies, and direct lending or investment. Methane reduction is also a key focus of a number of upcoming Country Climate and Development Reports, or CCDRs, which are new WBG core diagnostic reports that integrate climate change and development considerations and help countries prioritize the most impactful actions that can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and boost adaptation. For example, the Vietnam CCDR notes that the agriculture sector is the second largest contributor to GHG emissions in Vietnam, with mostly methane and nitrous oxide, and identifies cost effective measures such as investing in low-carbon technologies in rice production (e.g., alternate wetting and drying), which can reduce emissions, decrease production costs and provide higher income for farmers. WBG will continue its leadership in methane action and engage with other development institutions and actors to deepen collaboration and deliver the greatest impact.

World Bank - Climate Change

Climate Stories: How Countries and Communities Are Shaping a Sustainable Future

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