Unexpected Methane Emissions Challenge Climate Change Projections
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is responsible for approximately 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution. Although fossil fuel operations are the second-largest contributors to anthropogenic methane emissions, the majority of these emissions can be abated using existing technology at low cost. Rapid cuts in methane emissions from fossil fuels could prevent up to 0.1°C in global temperature rise by mid-century, making them critical to achieving global climate targets.
However, recent research suggests that methane emissions may be far more extensive than initially believed, posing a severe threat to climate change models. Scientists estimate that methane alone is responsible for about 15-35% of warming, emphasizing the urgency of understanding its sources and sinks. Improved understanding of methane budgets is vital for controlling atmospheric methane concentrations and meeting Paris Agreement and Global Methane Pledge targets.