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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. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/15/world/methane-emissions-record-scli-intl-scn/index.html 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 2/
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: https://www.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: https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2019/8/15/20805136/climate-change-fracking-methane-emissions 5/
Also, @NYTimes journalists have literally photographed methane leaks from U.S. oil and gas sites: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/12/climate/texas-methane-super-emitters.html 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/
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. https://clear.ucdavis.edu/explainers/meat-bad-environment 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 10/
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. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab9ed2
2. https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/12/1561/2020/ 12/12
1. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab9ed2
2. https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/12/1561/2020/ 12/12
