METHANE EMISSION Syllabus GS Paper 3 - Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the USA unveiled final rules as part of a global plan to curb emissions contributing to climate change, specifically targeting the release of methane in the US oil and gas industry.

Methane

• About: It is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas.

oMethane is also a greenhouse gas (GHG), so its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth’s temperature and climate system.

• Properties: Colourless, odourless and highly flammable gas.
• Largest emitter: China, the United States, Russia, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Mexico are estimated to be responsible for nearly half of all anthropogenic methane emissions. 
• Properties: Methane has a greater global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide.
• Methane Emissions: Methane ranks as the second most prevalent human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) following CO2, contributing to approximately 20% of worldwide emissions.
• Impacts: Due to methane's potent greenhouse gas properties and relatively short atmospheric lifespan compared to carbon dioxide, substantial reductions could swiftly and significantly impact its potential for atmospheric warming.