By Ben Aris in Berlin Global methane emissions have surged to an 800,000-year high, according to new research from scientists at Stanford University, who warn of dire consequences if the problem is not addressed, SciTechDaily reports. Methane is one of the most potent of the greenhouse gases (GHGs). While shorter-lived in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, methane heats the planet nearly 90 times faster over a 20-year period. Its primary sources include agriculture, fossil fuels and waste decomposition in landfills. Despite growing global awareness of the need to tackle methane emissions, ann…