News Climate

Methane may not warm the Earth quite as much as previously thought

The gas absorbs both longwave and shortwave radiation, with competing effects on climate

A photo of three cows standing in a grassy field behind a small body of water where their reflections are seen.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is emitted through a number of human activities, including cattle farming.

George Pachantouris/Moment/Getty Images

By Douglas Fox

- More than 2 years ago

Methane is a greenhouse gas with dual personalities. It heats Earth’s atmosphere 28 times as potently as carbon dioxide, gram for gram.