What is methane gas and how does it affect our planet?

HOUSTON – A new satellite called MethaneSAT was launched into space on Monday to help detect methane.

What is methane gas?

Methane is a greenhouse gas that pollutes the atmosphere.

It has an atmospheric lifetime of about 12 years.

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This gas has a big impact on heating up the planet. Per unit of mass, methane can warm up the planet 86 times more than carbon dioxide over 20 years, according to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

Where does methane come from?

Methane occurs naturally and is also created by people.

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The following sectors make more than 90% of human caused methane emissions in the world.

Agriculture 40% - From livestock, animal manure, and producing rice

Fossil fuels 35% - Due to leakage from natural gas and oil production and coal mines

Waste 20% - Caused by trash, food, and wastewater

Additionally, in 2021, methane emissions increased by almost 18 parts per billion in the world, and this was the biggest surge in a single year since officials began tracking the pollutant in 1984, the Texas Tribune wrote.