Consider the following:

1. Rice fields
2. Coal mining
3. Domestic animals
4. Wetlands

Which of the above are sources of methane, a major greenhouse gas?

1. 1 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Methane is a major greenhouse gas released from both natural and human-related sources. Rice fields produce methane due to anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in waterlogged conditions. Coal mining releases methane trapped within coal seams during extraction. Domestic animals such as cattle emit methane through enteric fermentation in their digestive systems. Wetlands are also important natural sources of methane because decomposition occurs in oxygen-deficient environments. Therefore, all the given sources contribute to methane emissions

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4