Keeping methane action on track: How CATF stepped up in Kazakhstan 

Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and reducing emissions from fossil fuel production is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming. Clean Air Task Force (CATF) has been working with governments around the world to support methane mitigation, helping develop innovative policies and technical solutions to curb emissions. 

In Kazakhstan, CATF has been playing a key role in supporting the country’s efforts to mitigate energy sector methane emissions. In January, for example, CATF and the International Energy Agency (IEA) co-hosted a meeting with the Government of Kazakhstan to launch the country’s regulatory development process for abating methane in the oil, gas, and coal sectors. However, recent changes in U.S. foreign policy threw an unexpected challenge into the mix—one that put years of planning at risk. 

The U.S. suspends a historic partnership 

At COP28, the U.S. government launched a major initiative with Kazakhstan to curb methane emissions in the country’s high-emissions energy sector. The initiative was designed as a multi-agency effort, combining financial and institutional backing from U.S. government agencies with technical support from CATF as part of the recently launched Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP)—a partnership with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). 

As anticipated, the new U.S. administration brought changes to federal agency priorities. CATF had prepared its global partners to ensure that momentum on methane mitigation would continue, even with shifts in Washington. However, when the U.S. foreign assistance funding freeze abruptly suspended agency participation, it created an immediate challenge for the Kazakhstan initiative—leaving CATF and its partners in a difficult position just days before a critical regulatory development event. 

A rapid response from Kazakhstan and CATF 

With the U.S. government stepping back at the last minute, CATF immediately stepped up to ensure that Kazakhstan’s methane mitigation efforts remained on track. 

Working in close coordination with the IEA and other partners, CATF quickly assured the government of Kazakhstan that the event would proceed as planned, with strong support from independent organizations. 

In the face of uncertainty—including team members already in route to Kazakhstan without knowing if the event would proceed—CATF worked closely with officials in Kazakhstan to ensure strong participation from key ministries and industry representatives. 

A successful outcome 

Despite the setbacks, the event was a resounding success. More than 100 participants attended, including:  

• Honorable Zulifya Suleimenova, the President’s Special Representative for International Environmental Cooperation; 

• The Vice Ministers for Energy and Ecology and Natural Resources; and 

• Representatives from throughout Kazakhstan’s government, the energy sector, and other key stakeholders 

By the end of the week, CATF and its partners achieved a key breakthrough: an agreement with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and industry associations to define the scope and timeline for developing methane regulations covering the country’s oil, gas, and coal sectors. 

Methane action beyond Kazakhstan 

The situation in Kazakhstan underscores a broader global reality: the momentum built over the past years for methane action has created a self-sustaining movement,  but challenges remain. While political uncertainties can create obstacles, many countries—including those with significant fossil fuel production—are stepping up to regulate methane emissions. 

Kazakhstan’s experience reinforces an important lesson: while setbacks and policy shifts can occur, independent organizations like CATF play a crucial role in ensuring continued climate progress. 

CATF keeps up the momentum on methane 

In spite of the abrupt U.S. government withdrawal from the initiative, Kazakhstan demonstrated strong climate leadership by staying the course . The country’s commitment to moving forward on this critical climate priority is an example of the leadership needed to drive global methane reductions. 

CATF’s ability to adapt rapidly and fill gaps where needed proved essential to maintaining progress. But the need for methane action extends far beyond Kazakhstan. To scale these efforts globally, CATF, as an implementing partner of the FFRP, will provide targeted support to up to 20 governments from 2024 to 2027. The program will help countries: 

• Build capacity for methane regulation 

• Develop monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) guidelines 

• Create and implement strong methane policies 

• Establish compliance and enforcement mechanisms 

With two-thirds of the world’s top methane emitters in the energy sector lacking adequate regulations, initiatives like FFRP are critical to closing the global methane policy gap. 

Kazakhstan’s determination to move forward despite geopolitical uncertainty demonstrates why independent technical support is essential for ensuring sustained climate progress. With the FFRP expanding its reach, CATF stands ready to support more governments in taking bold action on methane emissions—no matter the challenges ahead.