What U.S. Government agencies are involved in the Global Methane Initiative?
1. What is methane? Methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. Methane is also a “greenhouse gas,” or GHG, meaning that its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth’s temperature and climate system. Methane is the second most prevalent human-influenced GHG next to carbon dioxide (CO2). Top of Page 2. Why is there concern about methane emissions? Methane is 23 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Over the last two centuries, methane concentrations in the atmosphere have more than doubled, largely due to human-related activities. Methane now accounts for 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Because methane is both a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving significant reductions would have a rapid and significant effect on atmospheric warming potential. Top of Page 3. Where does methane come from? Methane is emitted from a v
