Methane, often overlooked compared to carbon dioxide, plays a critical role in climate change due to its potent greenhouse effect. While it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter duration—about a decade compared to centuries for CO2—its warming potential is approximately 25 times greater over a 100-year timeframe. This makes methane a significant contributor to global warming, despite its relatively brief presence in the atmosphere.
Understanding the sources of methane is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies. Major contributors include natural processes like wetland emissions and livestock digestion, as well as human activities such as fossil fuel extraction, landfills, and rice cultivation. Addressing these sources requires a multifaceted approach, including improvements in agricultural practices, enhanced waste management systems, and stricter regulations on methane emissions from industrial sectors. By targeting these key sources, policymakers and industries can work together to reduce methane emissions and mitigate their impact on climate change.