Methane

The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), defines methane (CH4) as: ‘…a colourless, non—poisonous and flammable gaseous hydrocarbon created by anaerobic decomposition of organic compounds. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.’

Global Warming of 1.5 ºC, Glossary, published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2018, states methane is: ‘One of the six greenhouse gases (GHGs) to be mitigated under the Kyoto Protocol and is the major component of natural gas and associated with all hydrocarbon fuels. Significant emissions occur as a result of animal husbandry and agriculture, and their management represents a major mitigation option.’

Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis, Annex VII: Glossary, written by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and published by Cambridge University Press in 2023, states: ‘The greenhouse gas methane is the major component of natural gas and associated with all hydrocarbon fuels. Significant anthropogenic emissions also occur as a result of animal husbandry and paddy rice production. Methane is also produced naturally where organic matter decays under anaerobic conditions, such as in wetlands. Under future global warming, there is potential for increased methane emissions from thawing permafrost, wetlands and sub-sea gas hydrates.’

See also: Ground gas and Natural gas.

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