Methane super-emitters in Turkmenistan's oil and gas fields
- Satellites detected 944 methane plumes over my western fields between January 2017 and November 2020; the largest hyperspectral plumes reached 19,600 ± 8,000 kg/h. Environmental Science & Technology (Irakulis-Loitxate, Guanter, Maasakkers, Zavala-Araiza, Aben)
- Kayrros estimated that about 5 million tons of methane left my onshore oil and gas fields in 2021. Kayrros
- According to the Guardian and Kayrros, 2.6 million tons of methane leaked from my western field and 1.8 million tons from my eastern field in 2022. Grist
- The IEA put methane from my energy facilities at 5.5 million tonnes in 2024, the fifth highest globally. The Chemical Engineer
- Of the 25 most intense oil and gas methane plumes worldwide in 2025, 15 rose from my Balkan region, according to UCLA; the plumes near Esenguly averaged 10.5 t/hr and reached 18 t/hr in December. The Chemical Engineer
- Government and regulators Turkmen consulate in Frankfurt: Methane emissions fell 11% by the end of 2024; no measurement method is stated. Consulate General of Turkmenistan, Frankfurt
- Company or project Türkmengaz: Total methane emissions in Turkmenistan down 10% since 2020 while production rose, citing Kayrros. Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- International bodies IEA: Super-emitter emissions across Turkmenistan rose by more than 15% a year on average in 2020–2023. The Times of Central Asia
- Researchers UCLA: 15 of the 25 most intense oil and gas methane plumes worldwide in 2025 were in the Balkan region, including the top two. The Chemical Engineer
Satellite studies between 2022 and 2026 recorded repeated large methane plumes over Turkmenistan's oil and gas fields. Turkmenistan joined the Global Methane Pledge in December 2023, and in August 2026 UNEP confirmed 8 stopped leaks.
IEA Global Methane Tracker 2025, via The Chemical Engineer: fifth highest globally; intensity 1.03 kg/GJ, second only to Venezuela at 1.14.
Status As of September 2026: UNEP confirmed 8 stopped leaks; no enforcement action or court case is on record.
- ADNOC — Signed a memorandum with Türkmengaz in January 2024 to explore cooperation on methane reduction, and a separate memorandum on Galkynysh phase III; no amounts were given Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- Dragon Oil — Operator in Turkmenistan; its chief executive said in October 2023 that it used 70% of the gas it produced and aimed for zero flaring by 2027 Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm), reporting a company statement
- Turkmenistan — About 7% of annual gas production lost to venting, flaring or leakage, according to a US official in 2023; no currency value given E&E News
- Atmosphere — 5.5 Mt of methane from energy facilities in 2024, the fifth highest globally (IEA) The Chemical Engineer
- South Caspian Basin oil and gas fields, Balkan province — 29 emitters above 1,800 kg/h in 2017–2020 and 944 plumes detected by Sentinel-2 Environmental Science & Technology (Irakulis-Loitxate, Guanter, Maasakkers, Zavala-Araiza, Aben)
What happened
A peer-reviewed study in Environmental Science & Technology (1 February 2022; Irakulis-Loitxate, Guanter, Maasakkers, Zavala-Araiza and Aben) analysed satellite data over the South Caspian Basin in western Turkmenistan. It found 29 emitters with emission rates above 1,800 kg/h active in 2017–2020, 24 of them inactive flares venting gas, and 944 Sentinel-2 plumes between January 2017 and November 2020. The emitting fields were managed by 'two large state companies', which the paper does not name; pipelines were controlled by Türkmengaz, and no emissions were found from the five foreign operators in the area. The authors wrote that the emissions were 'mainly due to the venting of gas from oil fields' and read the more frequent emitters as conflicting with Turkmenistan's Rules for the Development of Hydrocarbon Fields, which ban continuous gas flaring and venting.
The analytics company Kayrros estimated in January 2022 that Turkmen onshore oil and gas released about 5 million tons of methane in 2021, which it equated to 423 million tons of CO2e (GWP20). In a Guardian article of 9 May 2023, republished by Grist and relying on Kayrros data, the western field on the Caspian coast leaked 2.6 million tons of methane in 2022 and the eastern field 1.8 million tons; the article equated the combined amount to 366 million tons of CO2, 'more than the UK's annual emissions'. Satellites detected 840 super-emitting events since early 2019, the most of any nation, and at North Bugdayly such events nearly doubled to almost 60 between 2021 and 2022. Kayrros said most of the leaking facilities belonged to Turkmenoil (Türkmennebit).
The IEA Global Methane Tracker 2025 put methane from Turkmen energy facilities at 5.5 million tonnes in 2024, the fifth highest globally, with an emissions intensity of 1.03 kg/GJ. The 2026 edition placed Turkmenistan and Venezuela highest for upstream methane intensity among major producers and reported that super-emitter emissions across Turkmenistan rose by more than 15% a year on average in 2020–2023. A UCLA analysis of 2025 data, reported on 17–20 March 2026, found that 15 of the 25 most intense oil and gas methane plumes worldwide were in the Balkan region, including the top two; plumes near Esenguly averaged 10.5 t/hr in 2025 and reached 18 t/hr in December. UCLA said all 15 sites were almost certainly operated by Türkmengaz or Türkmennebit; Eni said it operated none of them. In a separate item, the outlet Turkmen.news reported, citing anonymous sources, that up to 90,000 m³ of gas in 24 hours was emitted 'pretty much every month' at the Petronas onshore terminal flare at Kiyanly (15 November 2021); inspectors from the Caspian Ecological Control Center and Türkmengaz began an inspection after the article appeared.
Turkmenistan's president announced on 1 December 2023 at COP28 that the country was joining the Global Methane Pledge. Türkmengaz joined UNEP's Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) in March 2024, and a draft Roadmap and Comprehensive Plan of Measures was presented on 1 October 2024 with partners named as the UNFCCC, UN agencies, the World Bank, the ADB and the Islamic Development Bank. Türkmengaz said in April 2025 that monitoring from June 2024 to February 2025 'recorded zero emissions in several production departments', and a Turkmen consulate item said methane emissions 'fell 11% by the end of 2024'. UNEP said Turkmenistan received 192 MARS alerts in the last year and responded to about 20% of them; it held 3 of the 6 worst leaks detected by MARS in the last six months and 9 of the top 50. UNEP confirmed 8 stopped leaks: the first in November 2024, two at Dauletabad in February 2026 and the latest in March 2026 in Lebap province.
On money, a US official said in June 2023 that the United States had offered technical assistance and public and private investment to detect and fix large leaks, without an amount, and put the share of annual Turkmen gas production lost to venting, flaring or leakage at about 7%. Türkmengaz and ADNOC signed a memorandum on 4–5 January 2024 to explore cooperation on reducing methane emissions, with a separate memorandum covering Galkynysh phase III; no amounts were given. Dragon Oil's chief executive said at a conference on 25–27 October 2023 that the company aimed for zero gas flaring in Turkmenistan by 2027. According to the Times of Central Asia, EU methane import rules apply to gas contracts signed or renewed after 4 August 2024 from 1 January 2027, and a UCLA researcher described Turkmenistan as seeking to enter the European gas market; most Turkmen gas goes to China and the Trans-Caspian pipeline is unbuilt.
- 2017Start of the study period for western oil and gas fields (2017–2020): 29 emitters above 1,800 kg/h
- 2021COP26: then deputy cabinet chair Serdar Berdimuhamedov says Turkmenistan is reducing emissions with 'special attention' to methane; Kiyanly terminal flare reported (15 Nov)
- 2022Kayrros estimate of about 5 Mt of methane for 2021 (28 Jan); peer-reviewed study published (1 Feb)
- 2023Guardian/Kayrros article (9 May); US–Turkmenistan talks reported (June); Dragon Oil zero-flaring target (Oct); Global Methane Pledge joined at COP28 (1 Dec)
- 2024Türkmengaz–ADNOC memorandum (5–6 Jan); MARS participation starts (March); draft Roadmap presented (1 Oct); first leak repair confirmed (Nov)
- 2025Türkmengaz statement at TEIF, Kuala Lumpur (23–24 Apr); Esenguly plumes average 10.5 t/hr
- 2026UCLA analysis of 2025 plumes (17 Mar); UNEP confirms 8 stopped leaks (31 Aug)
What was said
“Today, from this high rostrum, Turkmenistan officially declares it is joining the Global Methane Pledge”
“This is a breakthrough in terms of having real documented mitigation action.”
“But it is not yet a breakthrough in the overall magnitude of emissions.”
“Currently, we use 70 percent of the gas we produce, but in three years we hope to reach 100 percent”
“recorded zero emissions in several production departments”
“It's just a waste of money for the country; it's a disaster from a climate perspective.”
“This points to the risks of penalizing flaring without effective measures to control venting.”
Where accounts differ
Each party's account, side by side, with its source. The record does not settle these points; it shows them.
Methane emissions fell 11% by the end of 2024; no measurement method is stated.
Consulate General of Turkmenistan, FrankfurtTotal methane emissions in Turkmenistan down 10% since 2020 while production rose, citing Kayrros.
Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)Super-emitter emissions across Turkmenistan rose by more than 15% a year on average in 2020–2023.
The Times of Central Asia15 of the 25 most intense oil and gas methane plumes worldwide in 2025 were in the Balkan region, including the top two.
The Chemical EngineerAbout 20% of 192 alerts in the last year.
Irish ExaminerThe emitting fields are managed by two large state companies, not named; no emissions were found from the five foreign operators in the area.
Environmental Science & Technology (Irakulis-Loitxate, Guanter, Maasakkers, Zavala-Araiza, Aben)All 15 sites behind the most intense 2025 plumes were almost certainly operated by Türkmengaz or Türkmennebit.
The Chemical EngineerDid not respond to The Chemical Engineer in March 2026.
The Chemical EngineerDid not respond to the Guardian in 2023.
GristHow it looked
Shown
- Turkmenistan officially joined the Global Methane PledgePresident Serdar Berdimuhamedov at COP28 · Interfax
- Methane emissions fell 11% by the end of 2024, exceeding the plan's target; no measurement method statedTurkmen consulate in Frankfurt (official item dated 25 April, year not given) · Consulate General of Turkmenistan, Frankfurt
- Total methane emissions down 10% since 2020 while production rose, citing KayrrosTürkmengaz, April 2025 · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- Zero emissions recorded in several production departments between June 2024 and February 2025Türkmengaz deputy chairman Myrad Archayev · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- Zero gas flaring in Turkmenistan by 2027Dragon Oil chief executive, October 2023 · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm), reporting a company statement
Recorded
- 29 emitters above 1,800 kg/h active in 2017–2020, 24 of them inactive flares venting gas; 944 Sentinel-2 plumes between January 2017 and November 2020
- About 5 million tons of methane from onshore oil and gas in 2021 (Kayrros); 2.6 million tons (west) and 1.8 million tons (east) in 2022 (Guardian/Kayrros)
- 5.5 Mt of methane from energy facilities in 2024, fifth highest globally; intensity 1.03 kg/GJ (IEA, via The Chemical Engineer)
- Super-emitter emissions up more than 15% a year on average in 2020–2023 (IEA Global Methane Tracker 2026, via the Times of Central Asia)
- 15 of the 25 most intense oil and gas methane plumes worldwide in 2025 were in the Balkan region (UCLA)
- 192 MARS alerts in the last year; about 20% answered; 8 stopped leaks confirmed (UNEP, 2026)
- The draft Roadmap gives no budget, baseline or quantitative target
- The US offer of technical assistance and investment carried no disclosed amount
Who gained
Reached nature or the ground
Gained elsewhere
Responses on record
- turkmenistan-gov (1 December 2023; 2025): President Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced at COP28 that Turkmenistan was joining the Global Methane Pledge; a consulate item said methane emissions fell 11% by the end of 2024. · Interfax
- turkmengaz (23–24 April 2025): Deputy chairman Myrad Archayev said monitoring recorded zero emissions in several production departments between June 2024 and February 2025, and described natural gas as 'a low-carbon fuel that can replace more polluting energy sources such as coal and oil'. · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- turkmengaz (2023–2026): Did not respond to the Guardian in 2023 and August 2026, or to The Chemical Engineer in March 2026. · Irish Examiner
- turkmennebit (2023–2026): Did not respond to the Guardian in 2023 or to The Chemical Engineer in March 2026. · The Chemical Engineer
- dragon-oil (October 2023): The company aimed for zero gas flaring in Turkmenistan by 2027 and used 70% of the gas it produced in October 2023. · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm), reporting a company statement
- adnoc (January 2024): Signed a memorandum with Türkmengaz to explore cooperation on reducing methane emissions; a separate memorandum covers Galkynysh phase III. · Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm)
- eni (March 2026): Said it operated none of the 15 sites behind the most intense 2025 plumes. · The Chemical Engineer
- petronas (December 2021): No comment appears in the Turkmen.news item on the Kiyanly terminal flare. · Turkmen.news
In court and with insurers
Lawsuits and rulings
Insurers
What nature saw
Nature's report opens this page. Below: further outcomes measured on the ground.
What we don't know
Nature
- Disputed Direction of Turkmenistan's methane emissions (the figures cover different periods and metrics)
Court
- None on record No court case on record.
Figures
- Self-reported only Reported reduction pct: Turkmen consulate item; method not stated. Self-reported.
Accounts
- Disputed Share of MARS alerts that Turkmenistan answered
- Disputed Who operates the leaking facilities
- None on record Türkmengaz and Türkmennebit: Did not respond to The Chemical Engineer in March 2026.
- None on record Turkmen foreign ministry and embassy in the UK: Did not respond to the Guardian in 2023.
Record
- Not disclosed Not disclosed: the amount of any US funding for methane work in Turkmenistan; a US official said it was unclear how much the United States would spend.
- Not disclosed Not disclosed: a budget, baseline or numeric target in the draft Roadmap presented on 1 October 2024.
- Not disclosed Not disclosed: how the Turkmen consulate item measured the 11% reduction by the end of 2024.
- Self-reported only Self-reported only: Türkmengaz's finding of zero emissions in several production departments (June 2024 to February 2025), and its statement that total emissions fell 10% since 2020, citing Kayrros.
- Disputed Disputed: the direction of Turkmenistan's methane emissions. The Turkmen figures (−11% by end-2024; −10% since 2020) and the satellite figures (IEA: super-emitter emissions up more than 15% a year in 2020–2023; UCLA: first place for 2025 plumes) cover different periods and metrics and are not directly comparable.
- Disputed Disputed: UNEP's response rate to MARS alerts. About 20% (Guardian, August 2026) and 21% for 2025 (The Chemical Engineer, May 2026); the scope of each figure may differ.
- None on record None on record: an enforcement action, fine or court case in Turkmenistan over the emissions, including under the Rules for the Development of Hydrocarbon Fields.
- None on record None on record: insurance cover or insurance claims linked to the emissions.
- None on record None on record: a USAID or UNDP methane project budget for Turkmenistan.
- Unclear None on record: a methane-specific spending disclosure by CNPC or Petronas for Turkmen operations.
- None on record None on record: a Petronas comment in the Turkmen.news item on the Kiyanly terminal flare.
- Unclear Unclear: whether the methane commission that Turkmenistan said in June 2023 it would create was formally established, and its membership.
Did the harm stop?
Partly. UNEP confirmed 8 stopped leaks between November 2024 and March 2026; UNEP's MARS programme manager said in August 2026 that the action was 'not yet a breakthrough in the overall magnitude of emissions'.
Who paid?
The atmosphere, in the form of methane emissions. A US official put the share of annual Turkmen gas production lost to venting, flaring or leakage at about 7%; no currency value and no payment for the emissions is on record.
Sources
Company or project
- Dragon Oil will switch to zero gas flaring in Turkmenistan by 2027Nebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm), reporting a company statement · 2023-11-02
- Turkmengas: Turkmenistan successfully reduces methane emissionsNebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm) · 2025-04-25
- Closing the "Gates of Hell"Kayrros · 2022-01-28
Government and regulators
- State Concern «Turkmengas» and ADNOC signed memorandums of cooperation in the fuel and energy sectorNebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm) · 2024-01-06
- Draft Roadmap for Reducing Methane Emissions Has Been PreparedNebitgaz (oilgas.gov.tm) · 2024-11-05
- Implementation of the Program for Reducing Methane Emissions into the Environment in TurkmenistanConsulate General of Turkmenistan, Frankfurt · 25 April (year not given)
Press and investigations
- 'Super emitter': U.S. in talks to reduce methane bursts in TurkmenistanE&E News · 2023-06-13
- Turkmenistan joining Global Methane Pledge - presidentInterfax · 2023-12-01
- Turkmenistan remains 'hotspot' for methane emissions, according to satellite dataThe Chemical Engineer · 2026-03
- UN satellite programme curbs more than 40 methane 'super-emitters' since 2023The Chemical Engineer · 2026-05-05
- Turkmenistan Methane Emissions Under Scrutiny After 192 UN AlertsThe Times of Central Asia · 2026-09-01
- Petronas flare, Kiyanly onshore gas terminalTurkmen.news · 2021-12-13
Researchers
- Satellites Detect Abatable Super-Emissions in One of the World's Largest Methane Hotspot RegionsEnvironmental Science & Technology (Irakulis-Loitxate, Guanter, Maasakkers, Zavala-Araiza, Aben) · 2022-02-01
Connected cases
- Darvaza gas crater: orders to extinguish the fire, wells drilled, methane measured Turkmenistan · 1971–2026
- Türkmengaz (State Concern) (Company) — here: State gas concern; controls pipelines; signed memorandum with ADNOC; there: State gas concern; drilled the wells and reported the decline
- Government of Turkmenistan (Government) — here: Joined the Global Methane Pledge; published the draft Roadmap; there: President ordered the fire extinguished; consulate item on halved emissions
- Kayrros (Company) — here: Satellite analytics company; estimates of Turkmen methane; there: Estimated CO2 from the burning for 2018 and 2021
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: International Methane Emissions Observatory, co-affiliation of the preprint authors
- Destruction of the Kakhovka dam and drainage of the Kakhovka reservoir (June 2023) Ukraine · 2023–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Rapid Environmental Assessment and sediment assessment
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Co-author of RDNA3 and RDNA4; statement at the OSCE
- EU Deforestation Regulation delays and trade pressure European Union · 2022
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: Asked for delay
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Regulator
- Plant-for-the-Planet: 13.6 billion trees Germany / Global · 2011–2024
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: 1t.org pledger
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Original owner of the tree campaign
- Wadi El Ku catchment project, North Darfur Sudan · 2013–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Implementer
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder, EUR 6.45 million for phase 1
- African Parks Odzala-Kokoua abuses (Republic of Congo) Republic of Congo · 2010–2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder (€6m for 2018–2023; 46% of the park budget in 2020)
- Altyn Asyr (Golden Age) Turkmen Lake: a drainage-water reservoir in the Karakum Turkmenistan · 2000–2019
- Government of Turkmenistan (Government) — here: Joined the Global Methane Pledge; published the draft Roadmap; there: Built and opened the lake; has published no precise cost
- Artisanal gold in Mali: mercury use and its money (Minamata National Action Plan) Mali · 2018–2020
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Executing agency (UN Environment)
- Banc d'Arguin National Park, the BACoMaB trust fund and fishing pressure Mauritania · 2002–2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Fisheries-agreement sectoral support, including EUR 1 million a year for the PNBA in 2008–2012
- BP and Eni do not declare gas flared at Iraq's Rumaila field, citing non-operator status Iraq · 2021–2022
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: Non-operator; does not declare Rumaila gas flaring
- Burkina Faso Forest Investment Program project: 3.78 million tCO2eq in emission reductions estimated with an ex-ante tool Burkina Faso · 2014–2021
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: EU Trust Fund grant of EUR 7.30 million, amended to EUR 6.5 million
- Caspian sturgeon and caviar: trade suspensions, fishing bans and the move to farmed caviar Caspian Sea (Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran) · 1998–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Took part in the 2001 Geneva meeting; spokesman quoted
- Chad–Cameroon pipeline and Doba oil fields: World Bank conditions, revenue law, Inspection Panel and 2023 nationalisation Chad · 1999–2026
- Petronas (Company) — here: Operator of the Kiyanly onshore terminal; there: Consortium member
- Cobalt child labour lawsuits against tech firms (DR Congo) DR Congo · 2024
- International Energy Agency (International organisation) — here: Global Methane Tracker estimates; there: Source of the export-suspension policy record
- COP28 decision promoted carbon capture and left room for transition fuels United Arab Emirates · 2023
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) (Company) — here: Signed methane cooperation memorandum with Türkmengaz; there: State oil company of the UAE; its chief executive was COP28 president
- DuPont CFC phase-out and the ozone treaty United States · 1974–2019
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Hosts the Montreal Protocol ozone secretariat
- Electricity and diesel for groundwater pumping in Iran: subsidies and payments Iran · 2014–2024
- International Energy Agency (International organisation) — here: Global Methane Tracker estimates; there: Source of the 2017 subsidy figures
- Eni bought Zambian forest credits as a community received about EUR 50,000 Zambia · 2021–2023
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: Acquired about 3.1 million credits from the Luangwa community forests
- EU bans offset-based neutrality claims from 27 September 2026 European Union · 2024–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: adopted the directive
- EU court rejects Austria's challenge to green label for gas and nuclear European Union · 2022–2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: set the taxonomy rules
- EU mirror measure on antimicrobials and Brazil beef exclusion Brazil · 2019–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Regulator that adopted the measure and decided the list
- EU narrows supply-chain law and delays deforestation rule twice European Union · 2024–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Adopted the narrowed directive and postponed the EUDR
- EU seal-product ban's Inuit exemption found ineffective Canada · 2014
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Seal-product ban with an Inuit exemption
- FSC suspension of Russia and Belarus and birch plywood sanctions cases in the EU Russia · 2022–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576 wood import ban
- Garagum Canal and Amu Darya: conveyance losses, salinisation and the money around them Turkmenistan · 1954–2026
- Government of Turkmenistan (Government) — here: Joined the Global Methane Pledge; published the draft Roadmap; there: Operator of the canal; State Committee for Water Management signed the memorandum
- Gaza reconstruction and the Board of Peace's first contract Palestine (Gaza Strip) · 2024–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Estimated rubble clearance time and cost
- Half-Earth and 30x30 advocacy funding (Wyss Campaign for Nature) Global · 2016–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Co-author of the Protected Planet Report 2024
- Hamoun wetlands, Helmand water and the EU/UNDP restoration project Iran · 1973–2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder of the €10 million restoration project
- Iran's 2026 war-damage estimate of about USD 270bn and its calls for compensation and environmental accountability Iran · 2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Statement of 13 March 2026 on smoke from burning oil
- Italy fined Eni 5 million euros over ads calling Diesel+ green Italy · 2020
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: fined over Diesel+ advertising
- Jadar lithium project Serbia · 2022–2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Defendant in the strategic-status case (European Commission)
- Japan plans cross-border CO2 storage in Malaysia by 2030 Malaysia · 2026–2030
- Petronas (Company) — here: Operator of the Kiyanly onshore terminal; there: Malaysian state oil company named in the plan
- Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine; Wiwa v Shell Nigeria · 1958–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Author of the 2011 Ogoniland assessment
- Kenyan forest guards shoot dead Sengwer herder Robert Kirotich during evictions Kenya · 2018–2024
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: donor; suspended support for the WaTER programme
- Kenyan water-tower forest evictions followed the 2018 shooting of a Sengwer herder Kenya · 2016–2024
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: funder of the WaTER programme
- Kerch Strait storm, November 2007: Volgoneft 139 fuel-oil spill and sulphur-ship sinkings Russia · 2007–2018
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Post-disaster needs assessment with the European Commission
- Mauritania fishmeal industry, sardinella stocks and foreign fishing agreements Mauritania · 2008–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Party to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and protocol
- McKinsey advice to COP28 presidency and fossil clients United Arab Emirates · 2011–2025
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) (Company) — here: Signed methane cooperation memorandum with Türkmengaz; there: State oil company whose chief executive was COP28 president
- Messok Dja ecoguard abuses (Republic of Congo) Republic of Congo · 2008–2020
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder; suspended about €1 million in 2020
- Milan court acquits Eni and Shell in Nigeria corruption case Italy · 2021
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: Defendant, acquitted
- Mongolia's 2009 ban on mining at river headwaters and in forests: licence cancellations, compensation duty, 2015 amendment and artisanal gold-mining programmes Mongolia · 2009–2025
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: planetGOLD Mongolia
- Morocco says it cut cadmium in phosphate fertilisers; EU cannot verify the claim Morocco · 2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: acknowledges it cannot verify Morocco's claim
- Mozambique LNG environmental assessment (ERM) Mozambique · 2014–2024
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: Developer for whom the assessment was prepared
- Net Zero Banking Alliance exits and closure International · 2023–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: UN body whose statement on the 2023 insurer exits was reported
- Net-Zero Insurance Alliance collapse and insurers’ fossil underwriting Global · 2021–2025
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Convener of NZIA
- Niger Delta oil spills and sabotage attribution (Shell, Eni) Nigeria · 2008–2022
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: Operator; incident reports record a sabotage share of 89%
- Nonylphenol ethoxylates: Swiss ban and EU restriction Switzerland · 1984–2014
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Adopted Directive 2003/53/EC
- Occidental Stratos direct air capture plant (Texas) United States · 2023–2026
- International Energy Agency (International organisation) — here: Global Methane Tracker estimates; there: International body (assessment of carbon capture)
- Ogoniland and Bodo spills clean-up (SPDC, HYPREP) Nigeria · 1958–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Author of the 2011 assessment and fund proposal
- Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation conservationists: arrests, a death in custody and prison sentences, 2018–2024 Iran · 2018–2024
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Employer of Niloufar Bayani as a consultant; called for clemency
- Pillay panel finds no proof WWF directed ranger abuses it supported Democratic Republic of the Congo · 2006–2020
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: funder of WWF's work
- Plastic waste imports into Türkiye (Adana) Türkiye · 2016–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Assessed Türkiye under Article 45(5) of the Waste Shipment Regulation
- Posidonia oceanica meadows (Balearics, Mediterranean) Spain · 2018–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Habitats Directive: Posidonia beds are a priority habitat
- Prestige Spain · 2002–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Provided more than €275m in aid
- Pribilof fur seal harvest and Alaska Commercial Company United States · 1870–1983
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: Paid compensation to Aleut residents, 1979 and 1983
- Register of Damage for Ukraine, the Claims Commission convention and the money meant to pay claims Ukraine · 2024–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Delivered windfall revenues; EUR 90 billion loan
- Sengwer evictions from Embobut forest and the EU Water Towers programme (Kenya) Kenya · 2014–2024
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder of the WaTER programme
- Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics: environmental pledges and the Mzymta valley Russia · 2007–2018
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Expert missions, declaration of commitments, advisory role
- South Sudan oil fields: pollution in Unity and Upper Nile South Sudan · 1999–2025
- Petronas (Company) — here: Operator of the Kiyanly onshore terminal; there: Majority shareholder in SPOC; assets taken over by Nilepet in August 2024
- Strikes on Tehran fuel depots, March 2026: smoke, black rain and Iran's "ecocide" claim Iran · 2025–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Statement of 13 March 2026 on inhaled smoke
- Sudan gum arabic belt: wartime production losses and EU and GCF funding Sudan · 2013–2028
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder of the gum arabic programme
- Termit and Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve: 2019 boundary change around CNPC oil blocks Niger · 2012–2023
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funds reserve management (PAPBIO programme)
- Trade rules curb green industrial policy; WTO rules against Indonesia nickel ban Global · 2013–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Complainant in the Indonesia nickel case; respondent in the palm oil and CBAM disputes
- UK agreed up to £21.7bn over 25 years for two CCS clusters United Kingdom · 2024
- Eni (Company) — here: Said it operated none of the top 2025 plume sites; there: named as a leading company behind the clusters
- Ukraine's ban on raw-log exports and the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement arbitration, 2015–2026 Ukraine · 2015–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Complainant in the arbitration
- Ukraine's mine contamination, the farmland demining programme and mine-action money Ukraine · 2022–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Mobilised over EUR 360 million for demining since 2022 (EEAS)
- UN plastics treaty negotiations (INC-5, Geneva, Nairobi, Bangkok) Switzerland · 2024–2026
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Convenes the negotiations; issued the announcement of the new chair
- UNEP estimate: about 2,000 tons of depleted uranium used in Iraq Iraq · date not stated
- UN Environment Programme (International organisation) — here: MARS alerts; confirmed 8 stopped leaks; there: Estimated the quantity of uranium used (about 2,000 tons)
- US and Cook Islands deal raises concerns over seabed mining talks Cook Islands · 2026
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: Party to the seabed minerals deal
- US and DRC sign minerals partnership giving US firms first offer on mining sites Democratic Republic of the Congo · 2026
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: signatory to the partnership
- US takes about 15% stake in MP Materials and sets $110/kg rare earth price floor United States · 2026
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: took stake and set price floor
- US withdrawal from 66 international bodies and Paris/UNFCCC United States · 2025–2027
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: Withdrawing state
- Uzbek cotton boycott ends forced labour Uzbekistan · 2017–2026
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Trade partner (trade preference)
- Venezuela gas flaring and methane from oil and gas Venezuela · 2012–2026
- International Energy Agency (International organisation) — here: Global Methane Tracker estimates; there: Global Methane Tracker 2026
- WHO Pandemic Agreement and the PABS annex Global · 2025–2026
- United States Government (Government) — here: Offered technical assistance and investment in 2023; there: Withdrew from WHO; participation in the negotiations halted
- World Bank and development bank accountability mechanisms: Embobut (Sengwer), Tata Mundra, Arun III, Jale, Cambodia Kenya · 2007–2024
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Funder of the WaTER programme
- WTO panel backs EU on palm biofuel rules in Malaysia case Global · 2025
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Respondent; set the renewable-status rules
- WTO panel found Indonesia's raw nickel export ban breached rules Indonesia · 2020–2022
- European Union (International organisation) — here: Methane import rules apply to gas contracts from 2027; there: Brought the complaint at the WTO