Metánkibocsátás

Metánkibocsátás, or methane emission, refers to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. 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 processes of certain animals, including cattle and sheep. Human activities also contribute significantly to methane emissions, including agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste management.

In the agricultural sector, methane is released from livestock, particularly ruminants like cows and sheep, through their digestive processes. Rice cultivation is another significant source of methane emissions, as the flooded fields create an anaerobic environment that favors methane production. The energy sector also contributes to methane emissions, particularly from the extraction, processing, and transportation of fossil fuels. Leakage from natural gas pipelines and storage facilities, as well as emissions from coal mining, are notable sources.

Waste management practices also play a role in methane emissions. Landfills produce methane as organic waste decomposes in the absence of oxygen. Capturing and utilizing this methane, known as biogas, can help mitigate emissions and provide a renewable energy source.

Efforts to reduce methane emissions focus on improving agricultural practices, enhancing waste management systems, and improving the efficiency of fossil fuel operations. Technologies such as methane capture and utilization, as well as the development of low-emission livestock feed, are being explored to mitigate the environmental impact of methane emissions. International agreements and national policies aim to reduce methane emissions as part of broader climate change mitigation strategies.