Methane, the underestimated greenhouse gas : sources, effects, mitigation options / publisher: German Environment Agency ; authors: Johanna Appelhans, Christian Böttcher, Kai Keßler, Christian Mielke, Anja Nowack, Katja Purr, Anja Schwetje, Diana Sorg, Jens Tambke ; editors: Patrick Gniffke, Diana Sorg, Yaman Tarakji

Abstract

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. On top of this, methane is a key precursor for the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone is linked to negative health effects whilst also damaging ecosystems and crops. Reducing methane emissions thus contributes to climate protection and also helps protect public health and ecosystems. For several years now, there have been efforts at both the international and European level to significantly reduce methane emissions and to set specific reduction targets. Despite the initiatives in place to abate methane emissions, many people remain unaware of how necessary a reduction is and the benefits this would bring. With this position paper, the German Environment Agency aims to provide information about the effects and the most important sources of methane whilst specifying concrete measures to reduce methane at a national level and worldwide. The paper is aimed primarily at political decision-makers.