Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Environment
  • State Government
  • Food and Sustainability
  •  

Methane Emissions Growing Faster Than Any Other Time In Past Two Decades

  •  Amy Quinton 
Monday, December 12, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Amy Quinton / Capital Public Radio
 

Amy Quinton / Capital Public Radio

California regulators are meeting this week to discuss plans to cut methane emissions 40 percent by 2030. The reduction is required under a recently passed state law.

Scientists now say global concentrations of the powerful greenhouse gas are growing faster than at any other time in the past two decades.

While methane is not as prevalent as carbon dioxide, it’s much more potent – trapping 28 times more heat. A new study shows methane emissions have jumped so dramatically that they’re now approaching a worst case scenario for greenhouse gas emissions.

Study co-author Rob Jackson with Stanford University says California’s efforts to cut methane can make a difference globally.

“California as a state is like a large country. I definitely think that cutting methane and carbon dioxide emissions in California makes a difference," says Jackson. "Methane’s tougher than carbon dioxide because you don’t have the same power plants and large industrial sources, it’s more distributed.”

Jackson also says the bulk of methane comes from cattle operations, rice farming and landfills.

“We are seeing more food production from the rise in population. We have people’s diet changing around the world, we’re consuming more meat in other countries," says Jackson. "It’s hard to know exactly what’s caused the uptick from the last two years.”

 


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 methanegreenhouse gasesmethane emissionsStanford University

Amy Quinton

Former Environment Reporter

Amy came to Sacramento from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) where she was Environment Reporter. Amy has also reported for NPR member stations WFAE in Charlotte, WAMU in Washington D.C. and American Public Media's "Marketplace."  Read Full Bio 

Sign up for ReCap and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

 

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

Thank you for signing up for the ReCap newsletter! We'll send you an email each Friday with the top stories from CapRadio.

Browse all newsletters

More Environment Stories

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File

What the Supreme Court ruling means for the EPA's ability to fight climate change

June 30, 2022

Most Viewed

One dead, 4 injured in Downtown Sacramento shooting

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California coronavirus updates: US warily treads forward through another pandemic summer

California coronavirus updates: COVID-19 cases are increasing globally

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

One dead, 4 injured in Downtown Sacramento shooting

Northern California wildfires: Where to find updates on air quality, evacuations, and official information

Abortion is still legal in California. Here are answers to questions about access in the state.

California coronavirus updates: US warily treads forward through another pandemic summer

California coronavirus updates: COVID-19 cases are increasing globally

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.