Methane produced by livestock is the most potent of the gases in question, BUT it simply does not stick around all that long of time compared to gases created by the use of fossil fuels.
. . . the three greenhouse gases are not created equal. CO2 and nitrous oxide, have a lifetime of 1000 years. Methane however has a lifespan of only 10 years
Source: Radio Oklahoma Network, January 24, 2019. Link. Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California Davis explains that if an operation has a certain amount of livestock and never increases that number over (time) the methane levels produced should never really increase but stay constant. Therefore, producers are not advancing global warming.
So, even though it is true methane is potent and it is an important greenhouse gas – everything that is produced is destroyed. It’s a process called oxidation. If this is something we can get broad agreement on, it would be a complete change in the way that we view the significance of methane.” – Dr. Frank Mitloehner
INSIGHTS: This is a must listen for all animal health professionals.