Why Methane is a green house gas?

Answer 1

According to US Environmental Agency, Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period and is emitted from a variety of natural and human-influenced sources. Human-influenced sources include landfills, natural gas and petroleum systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, waste water treatment, and certain industrial process.

Methane is also a primary constituent of natural gas and an important energy source. As a result, efforts to prevent or utilize methane emissions can provide significant energy, economic and environmental benefits. In the United States, many companies are working with EPA in voluntary efforts to reduce emissions by implementing cost-effective management methods and technologies.

Answer 2

Methane is a greenhouse gas because it has the ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. It is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, although it is present in lower concentrations. Methane is released through natural processes like wetland decomposition and human activities such as livestock farming and oil and gas production.