Sharp cut in methane now could help avoid worst of climate crisis

Focussing on carbon dioxide alone will not keep world within 1.5C limit of global heating, warn scientists

Cutting methane sharply now is crucial, as focusing on carbon dioxide alone will not be enough to keep rising temperatures within livable limits, scientists have warned.

CO₂ is the greenhouse gas most responsible for heating the planet, with most of it coming from the burning of fossil fuels. As a result, it has been the major focus of international efforts to prevent climate breakdown.