Methane traps 80 times as much heat as carbon dioxide once it reaches our atmosphere. Methane is the second leading greenhouse gas behind carbon dioxide, but a large percentage of all global warming is caused by methane emissions that result from human activities, especially the continued operations in coal mining, and oil & gas production.
The United States has plans to reduce methane emissions, as unveiled at COP26, that will focus heavily on methane leaks. This Global Methane Pledge set forth by the US, and 99 other countries, intends to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Citations:
1) “Methane: A crucial opportunity in the climate fight,” Environmental Defense Fund, Methane: A crucial opportunity in the climate fight | Environmental Defense Fund“
2) COP26: US to tackle methane leaks from oil and gas wells,” BBC News, 11/02/2021 COP26: US to tackle methane leaks from oil and gas wells - BBC News
3) “The new Global Methane Pledge can buy time while the world drastically reduces fossil fuel use,” PBS, 11/10/2021, The new Global Methane Pledge can buy time while the world drastically reduces fossil fuel use | PBS NewsHour