University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (11): 1-10.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202412060

Special Issue:

• Chemistry Today • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Methane: an “Invisible Killer” in the Greenhouse Effect and a Turning Point for Sustainability

Xinyi Fan, Wancai Shi, Zhenyu Sun   

  1. State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
  • Received:2024-12-11 Accepted:2025-01-15 Published:2025-11-21
  • Contact: Zhenyu Sun E-mail:sunzy@mail.buct.edu.cn

Abstract: Methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, is often referred to as the “invisible killer” due to its greenhouse effect, which is more than twenty times greater than that of carbon dioxide. This paper examines the primary sources of methane, including both natural and anthropogenic origins, and their contribution to global warming. As the global economy continues to expand and the population grows, methane emissions are rising, exacerbating the ongoing challenge of climate change. Through a comprehensive analysis of methane’s impacts, its chemical transformation, and its potential for high-value utilization, this paper seeks to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by this “invisible killer” and promote effective mitigation strategies to safeguard our global environment.

Key words: Methane, Greenhouse gas, Global warming potential, High value utilization