Methane emissions surge, scientists urge immediate action

Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are rising rapidly, posing a significant threat to the climate and requiring urgent mitigation efforts, scientists warn.

Oliver Milman reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• Methane emissions have been increasing at the fastest rate in decades since 2006.
• 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.

Key quote:

"Methane is the strongest lever we can quickly pull to reduce warming between now and 2050."

— Drew Shindell, climate scientist at Duke University

Why 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.