In the U.S., 31 percent of methane emissions come from the Midwest, and almost half of that is just from agriculture. A report from the Global Methane Hub looks at the Midwest’s potential to reduce methane emissions and to have rapid climate impact. Methane is 80 times more potent than CO2, but it also break downs faster than CO2. So reducing methane has rapid results for cleaner air and healthier people.
The report notes the Midwest’s strengths in innovative farmers, leading researchers, and communities that are ready to act. Given the right tools and support from policy, nonprofits, and investors, the Midwest could focus on methane to get big climate wins quickly, and help keep Midwesterners healthy.
