Methane emissions

Globally averaged atmospheric CH4 and its annual growth rate GATM

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The Global Methane Budget 2008–2017

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Methane global emissions from the five broad categories

Map of methane emissions from four source categories

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Methane emissions from three natural sources and one sink

Methane emissions refer to the release of methane (CH4) into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential more than 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period. Methane emissions contribute significantly to climate change, making their reduction a critical component of global environmental policy and sustainability efforts.

Sources of Methane Emissions

Methane emissions originate from both natural and anthropogenic (human-made) sources. Natural sources include wetlands, termites, and the oceans, which release methane as part of biological processes. Anthropogenic sources are diverse and include:

• Agriculture: Particularly from enteric fermentation in ruminants such as cows and sheep, and from rice paddies.
• Fossil fuel production and use: Including coal mining, natural gas, and oil extraction and transport.
• Waste management: Landfills are significant sources of methane due to the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste.
• Wastewater treatment: Similar to landfills, the treatment of wastewater can produce methane if anaerobic processes are involved.

Impact of Methane on Climate Change

Methane is a significant contributor to climate change, due to its high global warming potential. Although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period than CO2 (approximately 12 years), its immediate impact on global warming is much stronger. This makes the reduction of methane emissions a crucial strategy for mitigating short-term warming and meeting global climate goals.

Mitigation Strategies

Efforts to reduce methane emissions are varied and include:

• Improving agricultural practices: Such as dietary supplements for livestock to reduce enteric fermentation, and better management of rice paddies.
• Enhancing the efficiency of fossil fuel extraction and transport: Including the repair of leaks in natural gas pipelines and infrastructure.
• Waste management improvements: Such as the capture of methane from landfills to use as a renewable energy source.
• Regulatory measures: Governments and international bodies are increasingly implementing policies and regulations to limit methane emissions.

Challenges and Opportunities

Reducing methane emissions presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the diverse sources and sectors involved require tailored and sometimes complex solutions. On the other hand, reducing methane emissions can yield significant benefits for climate change mitigation, air quality, and even economic growth through the development of methane capture and use technologies.

See Also

• Greenhouse gas
• Climate change mitigation
• Renewable energy
• Sustainability