Thread by @GHGGuru, PLEASE understand that this is a nuanced conversation. This @CNN article severely [...]

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🗣️" title="Silhouette eines sprechenden Kopfes" aria-label="Emoji: Silhouette eines sprechenden Kopfes"> PLEASE understand that this is a nuanced conversation. This @CNN article severely lacks context & unfortunately, other media outlets made the same mistakes. FYI, the coverage stems from two papers published earlier this week. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/15/world/methane-emissions-record-scli-intl-scn/index.html">https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/1... 1/

Global methane emissions are at a record high, and burping cows are driving the rise

Methane emissions are at their highest level ever, with agriculture and fossil fuels the biggest drivers, according to new research.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/15/world/methane-emissions-record-scli-intl-scn/index.html

First, the equating of methane from fossil fuels & methane from animal agriculture needs to STOP. Biogenic methane (i.e. from Ag) warms the atmosphere differently. @UCDavisCLEAR recently posted an in-depth thread explaining the difference: https://twitter.com/UCDavisCLEAR/status/1281021504524660739?s=20">https://twitter.com/UCDavisCL... 2/

https://twitter.com/UCDavisCLEAR/status/1281021504524660739?s=20

Second, cattle farming is NOT the main reason for rising methane. CNN & other media lack sources explaining the true impact of fossil fuels. Recent studies have linked methane spikes in the U.S. to fossil fuel production, specifically through shale gas & shale oil fracking. 3/

Here’s @cornell ecologist & earth system scientist, @howarth_cornell’s paper on this topic: https://www.biogeosciences.net/16/3033/2019/ ">https://www.biogeosciences.net/16/3033/2... 4/

Ideas and perspectives: is shale gas a major driver of recent increase in global atmospheric...

Abstract. Methane has been rising rapidly in the atmosphere over the past decade, contributing to global climate change. Unlike the late 20th century when the rise in atmospheric methane was accomp...

https://www.biogeosciences.net/16/3033/2019/

You can read an in-depth report by @voxdotcom on U.S. fracking’s connection to methane upticks here: https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/8/15/20805136/climate-change-fracking-methane-emissions">https://www.vox.com/energy-an... 5/

https://www.votwitter.com/energy-and-environment/2019/8/15/20805136/climate-change-fracking-methane-emissions

Fracking may be a bigger climate problem than we thought

The mysterious recent spike in methane emissions? It just might be US fracking.

https://www.votwitter.com/energy-and-environment/2019/8/15/20805136/climate-change-fracking-methane-emissions

Also, @NYTimes journalists have literally photographed methane leaks from U.S. oil and gas sites: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/12/climate/texas-methane-super-emitters.html">https://www.nytimes.com/interacti... 6/

It’s a Vast, Invisible Climate Menace. We Made It Visible.

Immense amounts of methane are escaping from oil and gas sites nationwide, worsening global warming, even as the Trump administration weakens restrictions on offenders.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/12/climate/texas-methane-super-emitters.html

Third, CNN cites regions including Asia & Africa, as having seen the highest methane spikes. This point needs more depth. It’s true that parts of the developing world – mainly Asia & Africa – see an increasing demand for animal-sourced foods. 7/

And if herd sizes go

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> in these regions it’ll lead to

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬆️" title="Pfeil nach oben" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach oben"> methane levels. But in most of the developed world, herd sizes are going

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Pfeil nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach unten"> & thus, biogenic methane levels are

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⬇️" title="Pfeil nach unten" aria-label="Emoji: Pfeil nach unten"> as well. The focus should be on helping developing nations transition to more efficient systems. 8/

That’s one way we can feed a growing population while limiting warming. https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/meat-bad-environment">https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainer... 9/

Is Meat Bad for the Environment?

Perhaps more helpful than asking if meat is bad for the planet is engaging in a dialogue about the effect meat and dairy production have on the environment and what the downside and significant...

https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/meat-bad-environment

In California, we’ve been able to significantly reduce livestock emissions. The state has certified a 25% reduction of livestock methane since 2015 & we& #39;re on path to reduce 40% by 2030. https://twitter.com/GHGGuru/status/1269276504657018880?s=20">https://twitter.com/GHGGuru/s... 10/

https://twitter.com/GHGGuru/status/1269276504657018880?s=20

Media plays a significant role in tackling climate change. Their platforms serve information to the public, policymakers & other influencers. It’s absolutely crucial to provide ALL the facts & nuances on the topic of GHGs so we can work together on real solutions. 11/

Here are the two papers cited in the CNN article and by other media outlets:

1. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab9ed2

2.">https://iopscience.iop.org/article/1... https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/12/1561/2020/">https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/... 12/12

The Global Methane Budget 2000–2017

Abstract. Understanding and quantifying the global methane (CH4) budget is important for assessing realistic pathways to mitigate climate change. Atmospheric emissions and concentrations of CH4...

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab9ed2

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