What is Methane?

Methane is an abundance chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane and is the core component of natural gas. Methane is a light, odorless and colorless gas that is formed both naturally and manmade by several processes. In carbon dioxide form, methane is a greenhouse gas that is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming.

Methane is the main component of natural gas distributed by utility companies, and it is a common byproduct of industrial processes as well. In fact, methane is the main component of landfill gas, making it an important component of our renewable energy sector. There are immense amounts of methane stored in geologic formations (like deep inside the ocean floor and in permafrost) which, if released, could worsen the effects of global warming.

Methane on Earth

Methane is the second most abundant gas present in our atmosphere and is produced by the decay of organic matter. In addition, anaerobic bacteria living in swamps and even in the intestines of animals produce methane. A large amount of methane is found near the ocean floor, under layers of rock and sediment, which gets released in the ocean as it decomposes.

Methane is also released from various human activities. Oil and gas drilling and exploration release methane during the extraction of reserves. Activities such as mining, landfills and agricultural production (such as livestock farming) also release methane in large amounts.

Potential Impact of Methane

When methane is released into the atmosphere, it has the potential to trap heat and contribute to a rise in global temperatures. The amount of methane released by human activities is more than what is released naturally, making it a significant contributor to global warming. In addition, methane can also lead to an increase in ground level ozone, which can affect human and animal health as well as vegetation.

Despite its potential to contribute to global warming, methane can also be used as an energy source through natural gas extraction. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the burning of other fossil fuels. In addition, through the use of advanced storage techniques, methane can be collected and used for energy supply when other energy sources become unavailable.

Methane is a complex molecule that has the potential to contribute to global warming, but can also be used as a fuel source and stored for energy supply in times of need. It’s important to recognize the role that methane plays in our changing environment, in order to better understand the potential impact it can have and the steps we can take to reduce its environmental impact.