What effect does methane have on the environment?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has a significant impact on global warming and climate change. When released into the atmosphere, methane traps heat more effectively than carbon dioxide, making it much more impactful despite being present in lower concentrations. It has a global warming potential that is many times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. This ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation contributes directly to the greenhouse effect, leading to increases in global temperatures. Such changes in climate can trigger various environmental issues, including more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems.

The other options, while relevant to environmental science, do not accurately describe the direct effects of methane on the environment. Methane does not significantly reduce oxygen availability, cause acid rain, or primarily increase particulate pollution, which are related to other pollutants and processes. Instead, its primary concern is its contribution to the greenhouse effect and global warming.