Carbon dioxide emissions are a leading cause of climate change. But there are other Greenhouse Gases that are also affecting climate change.
Based on a recent UN study, Methane gas was found to be 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming power change.
While reducing carbon emissions is important as ever, methane emissions will need to be reduced quickly as well.
According the IPCC, a UN body responsible for climate change, methane levels are at their highest point in 800,000 years.
The high level of methane goes hand in hand with the temperature increases seen across the globe. To keep under the limit set by the Paris agreements, restrictions could be implemented to curb further temperature increases.
Methane is the key ingredient in natural gas, used to heat homes everywhere.
It is produced in nature by plants and also produced by livestock and landfills, as well as the oil and gas sectors.
While natural gas is less harmful than using coal as a power source, it is not perfect.
Any leaks from natural gas pipelines could be extremely harmful to the atmosphere. Leaks also occur from oil and gas deposits as well.
The U.S. government has been looking at ways to view methane. With infrared cameras and satellites, scientists can see where large leaks are happening on a national level.
More work will need to be done to reduce methane emissions. Obviously, changes to the oil and gas industry will come, but restricting the livestock industry could come with severe consequences.
