What is a major environmental impact of increased methane levels?

Increased levels of methane in the atmosphere significantly contribute to global warming, which is a primary driver of climate change. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential many times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a short time frame. It traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures which can cause alterations in weather patterns, more frequent and severe weather events, and disruptions to various ecosystems.

The impact of global warming on climate is vast, affecting everything from polar ice melt to ocean levels, agriculture, and biodiversity. While methane can arise from natural processes, human activities such as agriculture, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction have greatly increased its concentration in the atmosphere. This makes understanding its effects crucial in the conversation about climate change mitigation and environmental protection.