## What Limit the production of [[carbon dioxide]], [[methane]], and [[nitrous oxide]], especially from fossil fuel sources. ## Why? Climate change is driven by the addition of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. The two GHGs we’re most concerned about are methane and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. It is 80 to 100 times more powerful than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere. (CITATION) The good news (such as it is) about methane is that a molecule of methane released today will break down in the atmosphere in about 12 years. It also only makes up about 12% of GHG emissions, [according to the EPA](https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases). Still, since it’s so potent, reducing methane emissions now helps with short-term climate change. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand makes up 80% of GHG emissions and it stays in the atmosphere for thousands of years. The dramatic rise in CO2 levels in the atmosphere over the last 100 years is a direct result of mining and burning fossil fuels. Therefore, the best things we can do to limit global warming are: 1. Stop putting more carbon into the atmosphere as soon as possible. 2. Reduce methane emissions as much as possible. ## How? Do anything you can to directly stop emitting GHGs, or cause them to stop being emitted. Drive less, eat less meat, compost any organic waste, buy more thoughtfully… there are lots of things you can personally do to move the needle. Direct action Indirect action Advocacy