Methane and CO are two of the most common greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Despite their prevalence, the effects of each gas on climate change differ. In this article, we will compare methane and CO to determine which is worse for our climate.
Methane
Methane is a gas made up of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. It is the main component of natural gas and is found in landfills, wetlands, and the digestive systems of animals. It is released into the atmosphere through both natural and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and raising livestock.
Methane is a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂. Over a 100-year period, one molecule of methane is estimated to have a global warming potential of 28-36 times that of one molecule of CO₂. This means that it can trap more heat in the atmosphere and contribute to a greater temperature increase.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas composed of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. It is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, and oil. CO is also the byproduct of incomplete combustion, such as when burning wood in a fireplace or charcoal in a barbecue.
CO is not as potent of a greenhouse gas as methane. While one molecule of CO has a global warming potential of 1.5 times that of one molecule of CO₂, it has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime of 1-2 months. This means that CO is less likely to accumulate in the atmosphere and contribute to long-term climate change.
Conclusion
Ultimately, methane is worse for the climate than CO. While both gases contribute to global warming, methane is much more potent and has a longer atmospheric lifetime, which makes it more likely to accumulate in the atmosphere and cause a greater temperature increase.
