and Medicine Engineering National Academies of Sciences, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, and Development of Inventories Presentation of Results Monitoring Committee on Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States: Improving Measurement Improving Characterization of Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States

Annotation

Understanding, quantifying, and tracking atmospheric methane and emissions is essential for addressing concerns and informing decisions that affect the climate, economy, and human health and safety. Atmospheric methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to global warming. While carbon dioxide is by far the dominant cause of the rise in global average temperatures, methane also plays a significant role because it absorbs more energy per unit mass than carbon dioxide does, giving it a disproportionately large effect on global radiative forcing. In addition to contributing to climate change, methane also affects human health as a precursor to ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere.Improving Characterization of Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States summarizes the current state of understanding of methane emissions sources and the measurement approaches and evaluates opportunities for methodological and inventory development improvements. This report will inform future research agendas of various U.S. agencies, including NOAA, the EPA, the DOE, NASA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).