A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California-Riverside has shown that methane, a harmful greenhouse gas, is not as harmful to the climate as previously thought.
The study found that methane absorbs short-wave energy, creating cooling clouds that cancel out 30% of its heat. Additionally, the gas cancels out 60% of increased levels of precipitation predicted under global warming models. These findings significantly impact how greenhouse gases impact the climate system.
Using the U.S. as an example, methane accounts for only around 10% of the nation’s emissions, and its harmful effects on climate last for about 9 years. By contrast, CO2 molecules have a much longer lifespan, with their harmful effects lasting over 1,000 years. This means that targeting methane emissions could have a more immediate impact on mitigating climate change.
While recent climate models do not yet account for the newly-discovered effects of methane, this study offers a more accurate understanding of the gas’s impact on the climate. Ultimately, this research offers hope that we can mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and protect our planet for future generations.