Difference Between Methane and Carbon Dioxide

The key difference between methane and carbon dioxide, the two major greenhouse gases, is that methane enters the atmosphere during the production and transport of coal, natural gas and oil whereas carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere mainly through the burning of fossil fuels.

Greenhouse gases are the gaseous components in the atmosphere that can trap heat in the atmosphere. The major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. These gases may remain in the atmosphere for different time periods; ranging from few years to thousands of years. Therefore, the effect of each gas on the heat of the atmosphere vary accordingly.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Methane 
3. What is Carbon Dioxide
4. Side by Side Comparison – Methane vs Carbon Dioxide in Tabular Form
5. Summary

What is Methane?

Methane is a major greenhouse gas which has the chemical formula CH₄. The major source that allows methane gas to enter the atmosphere is the production and transportation of coal, natural gas, and oil. Moreover, human activities also contribute to increasing the methane content in the atmosphere; for example, leaks from natural gas systems, raising livestock, etc.

Furthermore, methane is produced in natural sources such as natural wetlands, natural processes in soil and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Compared to carbon dioxide, which is the other major greenhouse gas, the lifetime of methane in the atmosphere is much shorter. However, this gas is more efficient in trapping radiation, which increases the heat.

What is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is one of the major greenhouse gases that has the chemical formula CO₂. It is considered as the primary greenhouse gas, mainly emitted due to human activities. However, carbon dioxide naturally occurs in the atmosphere (0.03%) too. Due to human activities, the amount of this gas has been increased rapidly in a few years.

Furthermore, natural sources such as volcano eruptions also add more CO₂ gas to the atmosphere. Combustion of fossil fuel is the major source of carbon dioxide emission.

What is the Difference Between Methane and Carbon Dioxide?

Methane is a major greenhouse gas, which has the chemical formula CH₄ while carbon dioxide is another major greenhouse gas that has the chemical formula CO₂. The key difference between methane and carbon dioxide is that the methane enters the atmosphere during the production and transport of coal, natural gas and oil whereas carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere mainly through burning fossil fuels.

Moreover, a significant difference between methane and carbon dioxide is that, compared to carbon dioxide, the lifespan of methane in the atmosphere is much shorter. However, methane is more efficient than carbon dioxide in trapping radiation, which increases the heat.

Summary – Methane vs Carbon Dioxide

Methane and carbon dioxide are the major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In summary, the key difference between methane and carbon dioxide is that the methane enters the atmosphere during the production and transport of coal, natural gas and oil whereas carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere mainly through burning fossil fuels.

Reference:

1. “Overview of Greenhouse Gases.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 11 Apr. 2019, Available here.
2. “Methane: The Other Important Greenhouse Gas.” Environmental Defense Fund, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Greenhouse Gas by Sector” By Robert A. Rohde – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “The green house effect” By ZooFari – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia