Trying to save the environment by cleaning up the upper layers of the atmosphere is slowly becoming essential. Striving to erase their carbon footprints is a challenge many governments and charity organizations continue to help with. While the intent is good, related knowledge is a necessity that cannot be ignored. The reasons for reducing methane emissions also take precedence today with several non-profit organizations doing their best to educate people and continue to lessen the impact of methane released into the air.
It certainly helps to be well aware of the negative role that methane plays. Some of the unique facts related to methane gas emissions include the following: –
- Global Warming- Methane contributes to global warming hugely and must be reduced right from the source of its emission. It is alarming to know that the impact of methane on global warming is 86% which is considerably more than that of carbon dioxide.
- Methane has a short atmospheric life and remains potent for only 12 years.
- Sadly, more than 60% of methane is released into the atmosphere due to human activity.
How to go about reducing methane emissions?
To solve the problem, you must first have an understanding of how methane is released from the sources and has a direct impact on the climate and environment in general. It suffices to know that human activity contributes to 90% of methane emissions with the following sectors being held responsible for tainting the environment majorly…
- Agriculture- From animal rearing, manure, and crop particularly rice production.
- Waste– From food and other waste materials dumped into landfills, wastewater, and dumps.
- Fossil Fuels– Leakage of gas such as carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that are released into the air from natural oil & gas production units such as wells. Distribution systems and/or coal mines.
It is pretty shocking to know that more than 4.5 million wells have been drilled across the United States of America. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported abandonment of 3.5 million such wells. Sadly, the unused wells continue to emit small quantities of methane gas and other contaminants that affect the environment adversely. Thankfully, several organizations believe in reducing methane emissions from such sources too. The workers and volunteers try to plug/cap such orphaned wells thus contributing hugely to cleaning up the environment.
Sure, you can do it singlehandedly by capping the wells that you know of. However, your efforts can be more effective when you join forces with a reputed charity that specializes in plugging the orphaned wells. This will enable you to address the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions right at its source.
Well-capping is no doubt a unique and effective way of reducing methane emissions but you will be happy to note that you can also help in protecting the groundwater, improving air quality, and allowing land reclamation by successfully plugging the orphaned wells.
You are welcome to volunteer for such a cause and do your bit to reduce carbon footprints along with decreasing methane emissions from diverse sources at the same time.
