A group of scientists published a new study that focused on other greenhouse gases responsible for global warming, mainly, methane. Methane, just like carbon dioxide, is a key gas when it comes to the heating of the planet. However, the scientists noted that other greenhouse gases are underrepresented in the grand scheme of things. Hence, the study was launched to understand the impacts of other greenhouse gases, mainly methane, and the role they play in climate change.

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and spelled out that humanity needs to drastically cut methane emissions quickly to limit global heating under 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is the target laid out in the Paris climate agreement. The scientists noted that methane as well as other “short-lived climate pollutants” (SLCP) such as soot, hydrofluorocarbon, ground-level ozone and nitrous oxide can significantly increase the temperature of our planet. The SLCPs contribute to global warming as much as carbon dioxide. Methane can trap 80 times as much heat as compared to carbon dioxide, although it degrades quicker than carbon dioxide. The scientists warn that we could be facing a much larger climate crisis if methane emissions are not reduced sharply.

Source: