New research has revealed a worrying rise in methane levels in the Earth's atmosphere, which threatens to derail global efforts to combat climate change. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is up to 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide (CO2) at trapping heat over a short period. Despite international initiatives like the 2021 Global Methane Pledge, aimed at cutting methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, methane levels continue to rise at an alarming pace. This trend is the most significant increase in over 40 years and poses a major obstacle to achieving climate goals.
Understanding Methane’s Impact
Methane may be less talked about than CO2, but its role in global warming is significant. Unlike carbon dioxide, which stays in the atmosphere for centuries, methane is relatively short-lived, remaining for about a decade. However, in this short time, it traps far more heat, making it a powerful driver of rising temperatures. This makes methane a critical target for climate change efforts, especially in the near term. But despite this, methane emissions are growing at a record rate, further accelerating global warming.
Human Activities Fueling Methane Emissions
Human activities are now the primary source of rising methane levels. About two-thirds of global methane emissions can be traced back to human-related activities, particularly agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste management.
Agriculture alone is responsible for approximately 40 percent of methane emissions, with livestock farming (cows, sheep, and goats) and rice production being the key contributors. Methane is released from the digestive systems of these animals and from flooded rice fields, creating a substantial impact on the environment. Additionally, fossil fuel extraction activities such as oil, gas, and coal production contribute 36 percent of methane emissions. Leaks from oil wells and pipelines, along with emissions from coal mining, have been rising steadily. Waste management, including landfills, accounts for around 17 percent of emissions. As waste decomposes in landfills, it releases methane into the atmosphere.
Since 2020, emissions from these sectors have surged, leading to record-high atmospheric methane concentrations.
Global Methane Pledge and Challenges
The Global Methane Pledge, introduced in 2021, represented a major international effort to curb methane emissions. Over 100 countries committed to reducing methane output by 30 percent by the year 2030. While the pledge set an ambitious target, recent data suggests methane levels are still increasing, making it clear that the current measures are insufficient.
Methane reduction is vital to achieving the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. If methane emissions are not brought under control, the world risks exceeding these temperature thresholds, leading to more extreme weather, loss of biodiversity, and severe impacts on human societies.
The Urgent Need for Immediate Action
Methane emissions are pushing the world closer to the brink of dangerous climate change. If the current trend continues, we could face up to 3°C of warming by 2100, with catastrophic consequences. To prevent this, drastic action is needed now. Experts estimate that methane emissions must be reduced by nearly 50 percent by 2050 to align with climate goals.
Luckily, solutions are within reach. In agriculture, reducing the number of livestock or adopting new feed technologies can help cut methane emissions. Rice farming practices can also be improved to minimize methane output. In the energy sector, capturing methane during fossil fuel extraction and transportation can prevent large releases into the atmosphere. Similarly, upgrading waste management systems and capturing methane from landfills can significantly reduce emissions from decomposing waste.
Conclusion
Methane is a powerful but overlooked driver of global warming. Despite global pledges and efforts to reduce methane emissions, levels are rising at a dangerous rate. The world must act quickly and decisively to address this issue. Immediate steps in agriculture, energy, and waste management are essential to slow methane emissions and ensure we meet global climate goals. Reducing methane is not just a priority for the environment—it’s crucial for the future of the planet.
