Tackling Methane - 293

In the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, 196 countries pledged to bring greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions down far enough to stabilize warming at a 1.5C (2.7F) rise in global temperatures above preindustrial times. In the race to meet the emission reduction goalposts to slow warming, nations are looking for ways to meet their pledges. Many governments, including the USA, consider methane reduction as one way to meet our pledge. The reason for hope is we emit a lot of methane, and there are ways to curtail these leaks. Additionally, methane is 30 times more potent than the primary greenhouse gas (GHG), carbon dioxide. To put it another way, one ton of methane emissions is equivalent to 82.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

When I say potent, this means the methane molecule, CH4, has a much greater ability to absorb and reemit radiant energy in its structure. This process slows the loss of heat from the Earth to outer space. This is why the earth is heating rapidly.

At COP 28, nations focused on reigning in methane because we can make the most significant impact in the near term.

Like carbon dioxide, methane is part of Earth's natural cycles. Unfortunately, like CO2, humanity has pushed more methane into the atmosphere than natural processes can handle. Humans, account for about 60% of methane emissions from various sources, including coal, oil, gas, agricultural practices, and waste management.

The straightforward way to reduce this e 60% pollution is to focus efforts on stopping methane leaks.

One of the problems with reducing methane pollution is to first detect it. While the devices to detect and calculate methane emissions vary, one new one is fascinating. A multi-spectrum laser is directed on a mirror, which reflects the light back to the laser, where it is analyzed to see what part of the light spectrum has been altered. Methane absorbs specific wavelengths of light, so it is easy to pinpoint and evaluate the source.

Satellites are being used to identify significant emissions on a much grander scale. The ability to monitor methane pollution on a planetary basis is critical to help nations trying to meet their goals find the sources. And, if nations are lagging or trying to hide their lack of commitment, they, too, can be identified.

Under the United Nations, the world is working together to detect methane. It is called the Global Methane Observing System (GMOS). 

One part of the system is called (MARS) or the Methane Alert and Response System. The data from the detection devices will be available to the public to keep us informed. The goal is that the sooner we spot a problem, the sooner we can work together to fix it.

The typical culprits are leaks. It is a long way from the natural gas well heads to your furnace or stove, with plenty of opportunities for methane to escape.

Also, old wellheads and coal mines must be examined as they are often large emitters. With accurate detection, these culprits can be scheduled for capping.

But what is the largest source of methane that man has caused? It comes from our agricultural and farming efforts. Around 37 to 44% of anthropogenic (science-speak for man caused) emissions come from this general sector, including cattle, chicken, pigs, other livestock, animal, vegetation, and human waste management, as well as other agricultural practices. Given their digestive systems and propensity to create large quantities of manure, cattle account for 70% of livestock methane emissions.

       Agricultural practices also create methane, with rice production contributing up to 8%.

      Human consumer waste is estimated to contribute 20% of the methane via landfill rot and wastewater treatment systems. If you have ever driven by a large landfill, you may have noticed the numerous burning flames which are fueled by the methane being produced by rotting garbage.

    As mentioned above, scientists have devised ways to identify the most significant contributors and channel their research into eliminating or capturing and using eliminating or capturing and using methane. 

   The list of solutions is long, with cattle and dairy cows often being the focus of attention. Take cattle, for instance, if their feed is mixed with red seaweed, this additive lowers their methane flatulence by 40%. Their manure can be enclosed in large buildings, and the methane is used like natural gas. Natural gas is, by the way, primarily methane. Admittedly, burnt methane becomes carbon dioxide, so there is some robbing Peter to pay Paul. Still, with methane being 30 times more potent, it is an improvement.

There is much room for improvement, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking at all aspects of methane pollution reduction. New natural gas leak detection, repair, and control device directives are being written to prevent waste and lower pollution.

There are many professionals needed in methane pollution reduction. Any young person today who is willing to put in the time to excel academically will have any number of career opportunities ahead of them.

What can we do as consumers, and how will the government help? If we use less natural gas, which is primarily methane, then there is less chance of methane and carbon dioxide pollution. To use less, the best advice I can give now is to insulate your home correctly. A properly insulated home uses less energy, saves money, and is more comfortable. The Inflation Reduction Act allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of insulation materials to insulate your home off your taxes. The cap is 1,200 dollars annually with up to 600 dollars for windows and up to 2 doors at $250 each for a max of $500. These are the maximum annual deductions, so plan your energy-saving insulation renovations over multiple years for maximum savings.

    I am in the process of evaluating the merit of induction stovetops. I bought an induction hot plate to compare it to a friend’s gas stove. The first test was to see which system heated water to boiling the fastest. The induction hot plate won by heating water to boiling in half the time of the gas stove. We also discovered we can set the temperature of the induction hot plate exactly which we thought a great convenience. 

The only drawback we could find to induction stove tops is that the cookware must have enough steel or iron in it to hold a magnet. Magnetism is the magic. Like they say, science is like magic, only real.

Furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters are another way to move away from methane. When it is time to replace what you have, check to see if energy-efficient models you like are eligible for tax incentives.

There are many moving parts worldwide in the battle to lower methane emissions. It is nice to know we are not alone in our efforts. The world is trying to find and implement solutions, the science community is discovering new paths to success, and our government is supporting scientists and incentivizing these solutions.