Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period—about 80 times more, according to scientific estimates. It plays a major role in global warming, contributing to around 25% of the current climate crisis. Methane is released into the atmosphere through various sources, including fossil fuel extraction, agriculture, and landfills. In 2023, environment editor Damian Carrington highlighted the discovery of 1,000 super-emitting methane leaks worldwide, with Turkmenistan being the country with the highest number of these leaks. These leaks are often the result of faulty infrastructure or improper maintenance in the oil and gas industry, releasing large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Turkmenistan, a Central Asian nation known for its vast natural gas reserves, has historically been a major source of methane emissions. However, recent efforts have been made to address these leaks, signaling a shift in the country's approach to environmental management. While this is a positive development, many experts emphasize that stopping methane leaks is often referred to as the climate "emergency brake" because it is one of the most effective and immediate ways to slow global warming. Methane has a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide, so reducing its emissions can have a more rapid impact on slowing temperature rise. Despite the urgency, some countries continue to lag in addressing methane emissions. In particular, several major oil and gas producers have not implemented the necessary measures to detect and repair leaks. These nations, which include some of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, have been criticized for their lack of progress in reducing emissions, despite international calls for action. The situation underscores the challenge of coordinating global efforts to tackle climate change, as the effectiveness of policies often depends on the cooperation of all major emitting countries. Damian Carrington’s reporting highlights the importance of identifying and fixing methane leaks as a critical step in the fight against climate change. While Turkmenistan’s recent actions are a step in the right direction, the global response remains uneven. Experts argue that without widespread commitment to reducing methane emissions, the world will struggle to meet climate targets and avoid the worst impacts of global heating.