Malfunctioning weather instrument

In the ongoing battle against climate change, a significant focus is being placed on reducing methane emissions. This potent greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gases, is attracting attention due to its disproportionate impact on global warming.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled, according to the latest study from the U.S. Weather and Oceanographic Administration. This increase, combined with its shorter lifespan compared to carbon dioxide (CO2) - about 12.4 years for methane versus 120 years for CO2 - makes it a critical target for reduction efforts.

The United Nations expects the global population to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, and emissions from both livestock farming and rice cultivation, the largest sources of methane emissions from agriculture, are expected to rise further due to population growth, economic development, and urbanization.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Scientists are researching various methods to reduce methane emissions, particularly from agriculture. Proposed technologies and alternative food sources include in-vitro cultured meat produced in bioreactors, smarter animal feed, genetic improvements for healthier herds, and microbial approaches like methane-oxidizing bacteria that biologically reduce methane emissions.

These efforts could potentially yield significant benefits. The reduction in methane emissions could prevent 260,000 premature deaths, 775,000 asthma-related hospitalizations, 73 billion hours of work loss due to extreme heat, and 25 million tons of crop losses each year. Moreover, this reduction could reduce global warming by nearly 0.3 degrees Celsius by 2045.

Investing in funds and ETFs in the category Environment / Climate / New Energies could potentially support these efforts to reduce methane emissions. By backing companies and projects that prioritise sustainable agriculture and innovative technologies, individuals can contribute to this global cause.

One promising approach is the use of alternative irrigation and drying methods for rice. Rice fields should be irrigated and drained two to three times during the growing season to limit methane production without affecting yields. Experts recommend this method, which would use about a third less water and be more cost-effective, as a key strategy for reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation.

As we strive to mitigate the effects of climate change, reducing methane emissions is a crucial step. By supporting research, investing in sustainable solutions, and adopting more environmentally friendly practices, we can work towards a future with less methane in the atmosphere, and a healthier, more sustainable planet.