Metaanipitoisuus

Metaanipitoisuus, also known as methane concentration, refers to the amount of methane present in a given volume of air or other gases. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential approximately 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. It is primarily produced through natural processes such as the decomposition of organic matter in wetlands and the digestive systems of ruminant animals, as well as through human activities like agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste management.

Monitoring metaanipitoisuus is crucial for understanding climate change and developing effective mitigation strategies. The concentration of methane in the atmosphere has been increasing since the Industrial Revolution, primarily due to human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the global average methane concentration has risen from about 722 parts per billion (ppb) in pre-industrial times to over 1,800 ppb in 2011.

Several factors contribute to the rise in methane concentration, including increased livestock farming, rice cultivation, and the leakage of methane from fossil fuel production and distribution systems. Efforts to reduce methane emissions focus on improving agricultural practices, enhancing waste management systems, and reducing leaks from energy infrastructure. International agreements and national policies aim to limit methane emissions and mitigate its impact on the climate.