A recent study by researchers has revealed that people are responsible for generating of two-thirds of all global methane emissions, noting a 20% rise in human-produced discharge over the past two decades. What does this mean for the planet?
The 2024 Global Methane Budget, a far-reaching analysis published by Earth System Science Data and spearheaded by the Global Carbon Project, highlights some troubling trends. Despite ongoing global efforts to curb emissions, methane levels have reached record highs—primarily driven by human activities.
The report states that humankind produces two-thirds of all methane, which is considered a major contributor to climate change. Methane, a potent gas, traps heat in the atmosphere at 80 times the rate of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
Read more: Energy-related emissions hit an all-time high in 2023
Furthermore, it is a precursor to ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant linked to various health issues. Alarmingly, methane exposure is estimated to cause one million premature respiratory deaths annually worldwide.
Concentrations of methane in the atmosphere hit 1,923 parts per billion last year, more than 2.6 times higher than in the pre-industrial era and the highest level seen on Earth for at least 800,000 years.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
Methane emissions come from several key sectors. The agriculture industry—specifically livestock, manure management and rice cultivation—is the largest contributor, accounting for approximately 40% of global methane emissions. The fossil fuel industry, including oil, gas and coal production, follows closely, contributing 35%, while waste disposal makes up around 20%.
In order to stay on track and meet the 2030 goal of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC, the world must reduce baseline methane gas emissions by 35% to 40% by the end of the decade.
The rise in methane emissions poses a significant challenge to global climate efforts. If left unchecked, these emissions will further intensify climate impacts, endangering both ecosystems and human health. As methane continues to accumulate in the atmosphere, addressing this critical issue should an urgent priority for policymakers and industries worldwide, says the report.
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