# Methane

Category: The A-Z Of Sustainability

## Short Summary
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas with 28-36 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over 100 years. Emitted from agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste decomposition, reducing methane emissions offers one of the fastest opportunities to slow near-term climate change.

## Full Definition
Understanding Methane Methane is a colorless, odorless gas composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH₄). While less abundant in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, methane is significantly more powerful at trapping heat. Over a 100-year period, methane has a global warming potential 28-36 times greater than CO₂, and over 20 years, this factor increases to more than 80 times. Methane accounts for approximately 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions but has contributed roughly 30% of the warming since pre-industrial times. This disproportionate impact makes methane reduction a critical near-term climate strategy. Major Sources of Methane Human activities generate approximately 60% of global methane emissions, with natural sources accounting for the remainder: Agriculture (40% of human emissions) - Livestock, particularly cattle, produce methane during digestion (enteric fermentation). Rice paddies also generate significant methane due to anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields. Fossil fuel production (35%) - Oil and gas extraction, processing, and distribution leak methane throughout the supply chain. Coal mining releases methane trapped in coal seams. Waste (20%) - Landfills produce methane as organic waste decomposes without oxygen. Wastewater treatment also generates methane emissions. Natural sources - Wetlands, termites, oceans, and geological seeps release methane naturally. Concerningly, thawing permafrost in Arctic regions is releasing previously trapped methane, creating a climate feedback loop. Why Methane Matters for Climate Action Methane has a relatively short atmospheric lifetime of approximately 12 years, compared to centuries for CO₂. This creates both urgency and opportunity: reducing methane emissions delivers rapid climate benefits, with atmospheric concentrations declining within years rather than decades or centuries. The IPCC estimates that achieving methane reduction targets could avoid up to 0.3°C of warming by 2040. This makes methane mitigation one of the most effective near-term strategies for limiting temperature rise, buying crucial time while longer-term CO₂ reductions take effect. Methane Reduction Strategies Multiple proven technologies and practices can reduce methane emissions: In agriculture: Feed additives and breeding for cattle, alternate wetting and drying for rice paddies, improved manure management systems In fossil fuels: Leak detection and repair programs, upgrading equipment to reduce venting and flaring, capturing and utilizing methane rather than releasing it In waste: Landfill gas capture systems, composting organic waste, anaerobic digestion for energy recovery Global Methane Initiatives International cooperation on methane is accelerating. The Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26 in 2021, commits participating countries to collectively reduce methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Over 150 countries have joined, representing more than half of global methane emissions. Organizations can contribute by measuring methane emissions in their operations and value chains, implementing leak detection programs, supporting suppliers in reducing agricultural methane, advocating for methane regulations, and investing in methane capture or destruction technologies. Given methane's outsized climate impact and the availability of cost-effective reduction solutions, addressing methane represents a high-leverage climate opportunity.

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Source: Alectro Sustainability Glossary
URL: https://alectro.io/glossary/methane
Last Updated: 2025-11-12