What characteristic allows methane to provide a crucial cooling effect over the next two decades, unlike $ ext{CO}_2$?
Answer
It breaks down much faster, with an atmospheric lifespan measured in years.
Methane is classified as a short-lived climate pollutant because it is removed from the atmosphere relatively quickly, meaning reductions lead to immediate near-term climate benefits that $ ext{CO}_2$ reductions cannot offer in that same short period.
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