Question: how is methane 30 percent of the climate change ptoblem

asma slaimi answered on 20 Nov 2024:

Methane contributes about 30% of global warming caused by human activities because it is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat much more effectively than carbon dioxide (CO₂). Here’s how it plays a significant role:

1. Potency: Methane has a global warming potential (GWP) approximately 84-87 times stronger than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Although it breaks down faster in the atmosphere (around 12 years), its short-term impact is significant.

2. Sources:

-Agriculture: Livestock (cattle and sheep) produce methane through digestion (enteric fermentation).
-Fossil Fuels: Methane leaks during the extraction, transport, and use of oil, gas, and coal.
-Waste: Decomposing organic material in landfills emits methane.

3. Contribution to Warming: Methane is responsible for about one-third of the warming caused by greenhouse gases since the pre-industrial era.

Reducing methane emissions is a key strategy to slow global warming in the near term, as it provides faster benefits compared to reducing CO₂ alone.