File:CH4 graph - 1980-2020.JPG

Methane

Cutting methane emissions is the fastest opportunity we have to immediately slow the rate of global warming, even as we decarbonize our energy systems.

Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. Even though CO2 has a longer-lasting effect, methane sets the pace for warming in the near term.

At least 25% of today’s warming is driven by methane from human actions. One of the largest methane sources is the oil and gas industry. (EDF)

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methane

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/methane

• https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/MethaneMatters

• https://www.epa.gov/gmi/importance-methane

Gas Companies Are Abandoning Their Wells, Leaving Them to Leak Methane Forever

Just one orphaned site in California could have emitted more than 30 tons of methane. There are millions more like it

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-09-17/abandoned-gas-wells-are-left-to-spew-methane-for-eternity

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