Recent research reveals that human activities now account for two-thirds of global methane emissions, a concerning development given methane’s significant contribution to global warming. Agriculture, particularly livestock farming and rice cultivation, is a leading source, with cows emitting methane through digestion and rice paddies releasing it from flooded fields. The fossil fuel industry is another major contributor, with methane escaping during oil, gas, and coal extraction, processing, and transportation. Waste management also plays a role, as decomposing organic matter in landfills and wastewater treatment facilities generates methane. Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over a 20-year period, making it a critical target for climate mitigation. Although methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time than CO2, reducing its emissions could result in faster and more immediate climate benefits. With global initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge aiming to cut emissions by 30% by 2030, researchers stress the urgency of addressing this potent greenhouse gas to meet climate goals.
