Methane emissions are rising at a record-breaking pace

Methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, is increasing at the fastest rate ever recorded, driven by fossil fuel use, agriculture and landfills, threatening global climate goals.

Sarah Kaplan reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• Methane levels are rising faster than ever, and scientists warn this could push global temperatures beyond safe limits.
• Livestock, landfills and natural gas consumption are key contributors to methane emissions, which increased 20% from 2000 to 2020.
• Human activity is also amplifying methane emissions from natural ecosystems like lakes and wetlands.

Key quote:

“These extra methane emissions bring the temperature thresholds ever closer.”

— Rob Jackson, Stanford University climate scientist and chair of the Global Carbon Project

Why this matters:

Methane traps 30 times more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a major driver of short-term climate change. Reducing methane emissions is one of the quickest ways to slow global warming, but current efforts are falling far short.