Methane is more harmful to environment than carbon dioxide: Here’s why
You’ve probably read all about gases in your science textbooks. So, it’s likely that you also know about methane, a colourless, odourless and highly combustible gas. But did you know that methane is a major contributor to climate change? Yea, that’s right. It acts as a greenhouse gas. Methane is responsible for more than 25% of the current global warming. Want to know more about this important greenhouse gas and efforts that are being put in place to curb its release into the atmosphere? Read on.
The impact of methane gas on the environment
Owing to its chemical structure, methane (CH4) traps more heat per molecule than carbon dioxide (CO2). It is estimated that continued methane emissions will increase the risk of global warming by 80 times compared with CO2! After it is released into the environment, methane remains trapped in the atmosphere for 20 years! More than ample time for the gas to do the damage. According to the Global Methane Assessment, methane also helps to create ground-level ozone.
Major sectors responsible for methane emission
Methane is released into the atmosphere by both natural and human-related sources. The energy sector (oil, gas and coal) releases huge volumes of methane into the atmosphere. Natural gas, a fuel used in power houses, industrial facilities and other things, mostly consists of methane. The agriculture industry is a significant source of methane emissions, primarily from raising certain crops such as rice and livestock such as cows. Methane is also commonly produced by microbial decomposition of organic material, such as human waste. If human activity is largely to blame for methane emission, the easiest way to reduce it is by to be mindful about our actions.
The impact of reducing methane
The global initiative to reduce methane emissions is being led by the UN Environment Programme. Considering methane’s comparatively short lifespan, experts have focussed on minimising methane emissions triggered by human beings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), its lifespan is 12 years compared with other strong greenhouse gases.
In the year 2021, the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) was established to track emissions from the fossil fuel industry. Additionally, it keeps track of methane emissions from agricultural activities and garbage. The data from IMEO is also used to monitor the Global Methane Pledge’s development. You will be surprised to know that this effort unites more than 100 nations committed to cutting their methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
The Global Methane Assessment states that by reducing methane emissions by 45% in this decade, the following can be saved -
- 255,000 premature deaths
- 775,000 patients with asthma and other health problems
- 73 billion hours of labour
- 26 thousand tons of crops