Methane: Supercharging Nature's Solution to Reverse Climate Change

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Methane is a greenhouse gas that's 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. And unvortunately, methane concentrations in our atmosphere are rapidly increasing. Yet, methane may also offer a potential climate solution. With a much shorter half-life than CO2, reductions in methane pack a punch. Dr. Jessica Swanson has a plan to use methane-eating bacteria called methanotrophs to do just that.  A side benefit, she says, is that once the bacteria have gobbled up all the methane they can hold, they can be turned into useful products, like feed for animals or plastics.  Dr. Swanson spoke at one of the "Town Talks" sponsored by Telluride Science.  Moderator: Adam Chambers, Telluride Science Board Member; podcast hosts: Judy Muller and George Lewis