Rising methane emissions are accelerating climate change, posing a major challenge to meeting the Paris Agreement’s 2°C target. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, necessitating urgent reductions, especially from agriculture, which contributes significantly to emissions. Improved management strategies could significantly curb these emissions, with focus areas including landfill design and better agricultural practices.
Mitigating climate change to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement’s 2°C target faces a significant challenge due to rapidly rising methane emissions. Methane, an effective greenhouse gas, traps heat in the atmosphere much more efficiently than carbon dioxide over a shorter period. Reducing methane emissions is critical to slowing global warming, yet a warmer climate is causing wetlands to produce more methane, creating a feedback loop that hinders control efforts.
Annually, approximately 600 million tonnes of methane are released into the atmosphere; about 40% originates from natural sources while 60% comes from human activities. Specifically, fossil fuel leaks contribute 120-130 million tonnes. Fortunately, advancements in satellite technology have improved leak detection, and 159 countries have committed to a 30% emissions reduction target by 2030.
In agriculture, however, 210-250 million tonnes of methane present greater challenges. Sources of agricultural emissions include livestock, rice fields, crop waste fires, and landfill organic matter. Despite the UK’s success in reducing methane emissions since 2000, agricultural emissions have remained largely unchanged, largely due to challenges posed by methane-producing microbes living in low-oxygen environments, such as livestock digestive systems.
Agricultural methane emissions can be addressed through better manure management, such as gas-tight coverings on manure storage. Capturing methane can produce electricity while repurposing remaining slurry into fertilizer. Although current biodigester systems are often leaky, tighter regulations could enhance their effectiveness.
Innovative agricultural practices could also help reduce methane emissions. For example, vaccinating against common cattle diseases, improving herd management, and administering methane-reduction drugs could support lower emissions. In rice cultivation, minimizing flooding periods may reduce methane emissions while ensuring food security.
Landfills are also significant sources of methane, but effective design and gas extraction can minimize emissions. Adding soil over landfills encourages methane-eating bacteria and prevents fires, which pose severe risks in many regions. Additionally, reducing crop waste fires through improved farming practices could alleviate both air pollution and methane emissions.
To combat agricultural methane emissions effectively, countries can adopt relatively inexpensive yet impactful measures, requiring careful design and management. Prioritizing landfill management and reducing crop burning should be focus areas in countries like India and Africa, while manure management can be targeted in the US, Europe, and China. With clear determination and strategic financial incentives, meaningful reductions in methane emissions are achievable.
Methane emissions pose a significant threat to climate stability, requiring urgent action. By addressing emissions from agriculture, fossil fuels, and landfills through innovative practices and regulations, countries can have a meaningful impact on global warming. Key strategies include improving manure management, reducing waste burning, and enhancing agricultural practices. Continued collaboration and commitment from nations are necessary to achieve the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and slow the rate of climate change.
Original Source: theconversation.com
