Thread by @GHGGuru

🗣️ PLEASE understand that this is a nuanced conversation. This @CNN article severely lacks context & unfortunately, other media outlets made the same mistakes. FYI, the coverage stems from two papers published earlier this week. cnn.com/2020/07/15/wor… 1/

First, the equating of methane from fossil fuels & methane from animal agriculture needs to STOP. Biogenic methane (i.e. from Ag) warms the atmosphere differently. @UCDavisCLEAR recently posted an in-depth thread explaining the difference:

https://twitter.com/UCDavisCLEAR/status/1281021504524660739?s=20

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Second, cattle farming is NOT the main reason for rising methane. CNN & other media lack sources explaining the true impact of fossil fuels. Recent studies have linked methane spikes in the U.S. to fossil fuel production, specifically through shale gas & shale oil fracking. 3/

Here’s @cornell ecologist & earth system scientist, @howarth_cornell’s paper on this topic: biogeosciences.net/16/3033/2019/ 4/

You can read an in-depth report by @voxdotcom on U.S. fracking’s connection to methane upticks here: vox.com/energy-and-env… 5/

Also, @NYTimes journalists have literally photographed methane leaks from U.S. oil and gas sites: nytimes.com/interactive/20… 6/

Third, CNN cites regions including Asia & Africa, as having seen the highest methane spikes. This point needs more depth. It’s true that parts of the developing world – mainly Asia & Africa – see an increasing demand for animal-sourced foods. 7/

And if herd sizes go ⬆️ in these regions it’ll lead to ⬆️ methane levels. But in most of the developed world, herd sizes are going ⬇️ & thus, biogenic methane levels are ⬇️ as well. The focus should be on helping developing nations transition to more efficient systems. 8/

That’s one way we can feed a growing population while limiting warming. clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/mea… 9/

In California, we’ve been able to significantly reduce livestock emissions. The state has certified a 25% reduction of livestock methane since 2015 & we're on path to reduce 40% by 2030.

https://twitter.com/GHGGuru/status/1269276504657018880?s=20

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Media plays a significant role in tackling climate change. Their platforms serve information to the public, policymakers & other influencers. It’s absolutely crucial to provide ALL the facts & nuances on the topic of GHGs so we can work together on real solutions. 11/

Here are the two papers cited in the CNN article and by other media outlets:

1. iopscience.iop.org/article/10.108…

2. essd.copernicus.org/articles/12/15… 12/12