Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless gas that is the primary component of natural gas. It is also produced by decomposing organic matter, such as in the digestive processes of cows and other ruminants. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has a warming effect on the Earth’s climate. While it is much less abundant than carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, methane has a much higher global warming potential (25 times that of CO2 over 100 years). Methane emissions come from several sources, including the production and transport of fossil fuels, agriculture, waste management, and natural sources such as wetlands. Reducing methane emissions is an important part of efforts to mitigate climate change.