Methane (CH4)
Definition
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during natural processes like decomposition of organic matter and human activities such as livestock farming and fossil fuel extraction. It has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide.
Analogy
Imagine methane as a powerful magnifying glass. Just like how a magnifying glass can intensify sunlight and start a fire, methane intensifies the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming more than carbon dioxide.
Related terms
Global warming potential (GWP): A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas can trap in the atmosphere over time compared to carbon dioxide.
Livestock farming: Agricultural practice involving raising animals for meat, dairy products, or other purposes.
Landfills: Sites where waste materials are disposed of by burying them underground. Methane is produced during the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.
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