The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) made some statements that concern all of us, but reveal that it is not very possible for us to change it individually. In the statements made by the institution, it was stated that the amount of free methane gas in the atmosphere increased at a record level. The worst part is, it is not known exactly why the methane gas level in the atmosphere has increased so much.
WMO has been measuring the amount of free methane in the atmosphere for 40 years. The latest findings, on the other hand, led to a remarkable conclusion about these measurements. The amount of free methane gas in the atmosphere exceeded the average of the last 10 years in 2021. Moreover, the situation is not good for 2022. Because the level of methane gas in the atmosphere continues its increasing trend.
It is unknown why and how methane is emitted into the atmosphere.
We mentioned that experts cannot say anything clear about why the level of free methane gas in the atmosphere has increased so much. This is because there are different factors that cause the emission of methane gas. But the biggest suspect, according to WMO officials, is the oil and gas industry. So much so that methane, which makes up almost all of the natural gas we use, is emitted into the atmosphere not only from our homes, but also from refineries, oil and gas wells, and pipelines. According to research, the oil and gas industry released 82.5 million tons of methane into the atmosphere in 2021.
Of course, the energy sector is not the only source of methane. Methane gas also mixes with the air in completely natural ways. For example, microbes. Certain types of microbes, particularly those living in tropical wetlands, release free methane into the air. A weather model called La Nina has caused more precipitation with the effect of climate change. Combined with this, the high temperature created the perfect living and breeding environment for microbes. As a natural consequence of this, an increase in methane levels was observed.
What will be the consequences of the increase in methane gas in the atmosphere?
When we talk about issues like global warming or climate change, we keep emphasizing carbon dioxide. But methane is much stronger than carbon dioxide. According to researches, the effect of methane gas on global warming is 80 times more than carbon dioxide. Moreover, 30 percent of the global warming experienced in the post-Industrial Revolution period is thought to be caused only by methane gas. In summary; As methane gas increases, the acceleration of climate change and global warming will accelerate…
There are some strategies implemented to prevent the emission of methane gas into the atmosphere. The oil and natural gas industry, in particular, has been cornered for good in recent years, and decisions have been made to reduce methane gas leaks. But will these be enough? Unfortunately, no. Existing strategies are thought to be insufficient in the long run.
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