Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are rising rapidly, posing a significant threat to the climate and requiring urgent mitigation efforts, scientists warn. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction by 2030, but current policies cover only 13% of emissions. Methane is 80 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2 but dissipates faster, offering a quicker path to reducing global warming. — Drew Shindell, climate scientist at Duke UniversityWhy this matters:Unchecked methane emissions accelerate global warming and exacerbate climate impacts. Addressing methane offers an immediate way to slow temperature increases and mitigate near-term climate risks.

Source: The Guardian July 31, 2024 11:10 UTC