Methane Emissions

• Besides CO2, methane (CH4) is the largest contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
• CH4 has a much shorter lifespan in the atmosphere than CO2, but is much more effective in trapping heat energy.
• CH4 has 21 times the effect of carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas
• CH4 is mainly released in small quantities during the natural decomposition (fermentation) of organic material, e.g wetlands and marshes.
• Decomposition occurs when anaerobic bacteria break down organic matter into its building blocks
• More than 68% of the total global CH4 emissions occur as a result of human activities
• Possible actions to reduce methane emissions

  • Reduce or find alternatives for the use of fossil fuels
  • Reduce waste production by humans
  • Use methane as an alternative fuel or energy source