Article
Buy More Time: Slash short lived greenhouse gases to cool the planet
At Techarena Zero, our founder Ingmar Rentzhog delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to address methane emissions and other short-lived greenhouse gases as a critical strategy to slow global warming and buy more time to implement long-term solutions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PWxvBUcYfc
The Exponential Growth of Climate Solutions
Ingmar began by acknowledging the rapid, exponential growth of climate solutions such as electric vehicles, solar and wind energy, and battery storage technologies. These advancements are scaling at unprecedented rates, suggesting that significant impact is imminent. However, despite this progress, global emissions are still increasing. We are nearing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold, beyond which the risk of hitting irreversible climate tipping points escalates dramatically.
Using the metaphor of a leaning chair, he illustrated how continued emissions are pushing us toward a tipping point. If the chair falls over, setting it right becomes exponentially more difficult—much like the challenge of reversing severe climate impacts once certain thresholds are crossed.
Methane: Carbon Dioxide's Aggressive Cousin
The central focus of Ingmar's message is methane gas, which he refers to as carbon dioxide's "more aggressive cousin." Methane is 86 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO₂ but has a much shorter atmospheric lifespan—about 12 years compared to CO₂'s up to a thousand years.
To illustrate this, he used balloons labeled "CO₂" and "CH₄" (methane). The CO₂ balloons floated up to the ceiling and stayed there, symbolizing how CO₂ remains in the atmosphere for centuries. In contrast, the CH₄ balloons rose briefly before lazily drifting back down to the stage floor, demonstrating methane's shorter atmospheric presence.
This characteristic of methane presents a significant opportunity. By aggressively reducing methane emissions and other short-lived climate gases, we can achieve a relatively quick decrease in atmospheric concentrations, effectively slowing down warming in the short term by up to 0.5°C. This "Buy More Time" strategy doesn't replace the need to reduce CO₂ emissions but provides a critical window to implement broader, long-term solutions.
Key Sources of Methane Emissions and Practical Solutions
Ingmar highlighted three primary sources of methane emissions and the practical solutions available to address them:
Food Waste (~20%): Organic waste decomposes to produce methane. He pointed to Sweden's successful model, where food waste is converted into biogas to power public transportation. Reducing food waste and expanding waste-to-energy programs globally could lead to substantial emission reductions.
Fossil Fuel Industry (~35%): Methane leaks from fossil fuel extraction, processing, and distribution are substantial yet preventable. Ingmar emphasized that fixing leaks in pipelines and improving infrastructure are solutions that exist today. While these fixes require investment, the fossil fuel industry has the financial capacity to implement them.
Agriculture and Livestock (~40%): Livestock, particularly cows, produce methane through digestion. Innovative feed additives—such as those developed by Swedish company Volta Greentech—can reduce methane emissions from cows by up to 80%. Supporting farmers in adopting these technologies is crucial for significant emission reductions.
Read more about benefits and costs of mitigating methane emissions.:
Benefits and costs of mitigating methane emissions
https://www.ccacoalition.org/content/benefits-and-costs-mitigating-methane-emissions
Learning from the Past: A New Montreal Protocol
Drawing parallels to the successful global effort to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) through the Montreal Protocol in 1987, Ingmar proposed the creation of a new global agreement—a "Montreal Protocol for Methane Gases and other short lived climate gases." The original protocol led to the rapid elimination of substances depleting the ozone layer, showcasing how coordinated international action, supported by industry and policymakers, can effectively address environmental crises.
"We managed to stop Freon worldwide after the Montreal Protocol, which was one of the greatest environmental successes in human history. Now we can do the same with methane gas," he asserted. To illustrate this point, he even brought a refrigerator on stage, symbolizing how phasing out harmful gases in everyday appliances led to significant environmental benefits.
The Role of Technology and Data
Advancements in technology are critical to this effort. Ingmar highlighted the launch of MethaneSat, a satellite capable of monitoring global methane emissions in real-time. This open data allows for precise identification of emission sources, enabling targeted actions to reduce emissions effectively.
"Today, we also have satellite data that can measure methane in real-time, so we know exactly where the major emissions are happening," he noted.
A Call to Action
With only weeks left until COP29, the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Ingmar expressed hope that discussions at international forums like COP29 could lead to the establishment of a new global agreement on methane reduction.
"We want to gather the UN in a new Montreal Protocol to eliminate methane gas on a global level. Regulations, capital, and data are needed to succeed," he concluded.
"We can do this," Ingmar affirmed. Reducing methane emissions isn't just a stopgap—it's a critical step in turning the tide against climate change.
Support this campaign
The #BuyMoreTime campaign will officially be launched at the UN Climate Meeting in Baku from November 11-22. Follow We Don't Have Time's daily broadcasts to learn more about this campaign, its solutions, and how you can support it:
COP29 Climate Hub – Nov 11, 2024–Nov 22, 2024
Daily live broadcasts from COP29 in Baku. November 11–22, 2024.
https://www.wedonthavetime.org/events/cop29
Learn more about short-lived climate gases and other super pollutants on our partner Climate and Clean Air Coalition information hub:
Climate and Clean Air Coalition | Homepage | Climate & Clean Air Coalition
https://www.ccacoalition.org/
Re-watch all our COP29 broadcasts
We need to stop methane and #BuyMoreTime
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4 w
Wow, this is a brilliant idea. I do hope COP29 embrace and adopt this suggestion. How can we use individuals help?
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5 w
Wow
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5 w
This is impressive, Rentzhog has articulated his devotion to restoring our biodiversity in a way that if liable people takes his ideas seriously, so much change can be experienced
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5 w
@annett_michuki thank you. Help us by sharing this message.
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@annett_michuki By all means!!
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5 w
However, despite this progress, global emissions are still increasing.
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5 w
Addressing short-lived greenhouse gases like methane is crucial for slowing global warming, and Rentzhog's message highlights an essential strategy for meaningful climate action.
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5 w
These advancements are scaling at unprecedented rates, suggesting that significant impact is imminent.💯
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5 w
A great clarion call for the best we'll ever have, I hope the world will open their ears and heed to this message.
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5 w
By reducing emissions of these gases, we can significantly slow down global warming and gain valuable time to implement more sustainable, long-term solutions.
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5 w
A very great message and very well articulated by our founder.We need to cut down on methane and green house gas emissions to secure a future free from global warming.
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5 w
A global methane reduction agreement is a brilliant proposal that could transform global climate action
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5 w
The short-lived greenhouse gases is an innovative idea,,,that really encouraging
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5 w
That is a powerful message. Every nation should put in place measures to curb greenhouse gases emissions for a better tomorrow.#BuyMoreTime
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5 w
If only the world could heed to @Ingmar's recommendations, we could get back on track to save the world very fast.
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5 w
@tabitha_kimani very true.
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@tabitha_kimani Unfortunately our leaders don't have the goodwill to do so!
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@Rentzhog I want to commend you for your exceptional leadership and the impactful #BuyMoreTime campaign. I watched your speech with a lot of admiration and the way you demonstrated it using balloons, leaning chair and fridge of how fossil fuel hang on the the air for thousand years and how Methane gases hang on the air for at least 12 years. That alone gives "HOPE" and soon you may be surprised the number believing on this will go beyond 6% that statics give out. Truly our focus on reducing methane emissions will be crucial when addressing climate change, and your vision for global cooperation is inspiring. Personally I was inspired. Thank you for your dedication and for guiding us toward a sustainable future truly your work, devotion and dedication will make a significant difference, lets all support this campaign #BuyMoreTime and together we can do it and achieve the needed goals before its too late, Solutions are achievable when we act and face the bull with its horns.
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@patrick_kiash I thought it was impressive too.
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@patrick_kiash The articulation by our CEO was exemplary and the description even more vivid. The illustrations go to show how methane and green house gas emissions destabilize and cause long term harm to our environment.
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Let’s take action where it matters most in the here and now.