By Web Desk 
Methane levels in the atmosphere are rising faster than any other greenhouse gas, according to recent studies by environmental researchers. Often overlooked in discussions about climate change, methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat at a rate 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. The sharp increase in methane emissions is becoming a major concern for scientists, who warn that it could significantly accelerate global warming.
Researchers have identified several key sources contributing to the rapid rise in methane, including livestock farming, landfills, and the extraction of fossil fuels. One of the primary culprits is agriculture, particularly cattle and other ruminants, which produce methane during digestion. Other major sources include natural gas production, where methane leaks during drilling and transportation are a significant issue.
This surge in methane is alarming because its effects on the climate are both immediate and long-lasting. In the short term, methane’s ability to trap heat is much stronger than CO2, making it a critical target for climate action. However, unlike carbon dioxide, which can linger in the atmosphere for centuries, methane has a relatively short atmospheric lifetime of about a decade. This means that cutting methane emissions could have a more immediate impact on slowing global warming.
Governments and environmental agencies worldwide are increasingly focusing on strategies to curb methane emissions. The push to address methane has led to calls for better monitoring of industrial activities, improved waste management practices, and a shift towards plant-based diets to reduce methane production from livestock. If unaddressed, methane emissions could compromise efforts to meet global climate targets.