According to a study and initiative by Stanford Earth and Stanford University scientist Rob Jackson, global methane emissions have reached the highest level ever recorded (Earth). The research shows that human activities, such as coal mining, oil and natural gas production, and cattle ranching, are the primary causes (NBC). Africa and the Middle East; China; and South Asia and Oceania, including Australia are the three regions where methane emissions grew the quickest (NYT). By reducing emissions from chemical manufacturing, increasing efficiency in food production and changes in diet over the past 20 years, Europe has decreased methane emissions (Independent).
Professor Jackson understands that slowing down gas emission will require a bigger change in human behavior (NBC). He believes humans should “eat less meat…reduce emissions associated with cattle and rice farming, and replace oil and natural gas in our cars and homes,” (Earth). The US has “one of the highest rates of red meat consumption in the world,” according to Professor Jackson. Although, humans do not have to completely omit meet, they should incorporate “more fish and chicken instead,” to combat climate change (NBC).
Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/soaring-methane-emissions-threaten-put-climate-change-goals-out-reach-n1233831
https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/methane-global-emissions-carbon-fossil-fuels-climate-crisis-landfills-a9618871.html