What the world must do to tame methane
The world needs a deal during COP28 to limit a nasty source of emissions
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Over 20 years it has over 80 times the planet-cooking power of carbon dioxide, and is the culprit behind nearly 45% of warming today. Because methane is the main component of natural gas, a big chunk of man-made emissions comes from the energy industry. Yet because it is short-lived, curbing methane offers the world its best possible chance for quick progress against climate change.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Methane’s moment”
Leaders December 2nd 2023
- Putin seems to be winning the war in Ukraine—for now
- A new age of the worker will overturn conventional thinking
- How America should manage the next stage of the Gaza war
- What the world must do to tame methane
- What does Henry Kissinger’s diplomacy have to teach the world?
- Germany is in a bizarre fiscal mess of its own making
From the December 2nd 2023 edition
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