Methane released from thawing permafrost and tropical wetlands is accelerating climate breakdown, making the reduction of human-caused emissions crucial.
Rob Jackson reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Methane emissions from natural sources like tropical wetlands and Arctic permafrost are increasing as global temperatures rise.
- Efforts to curb human-caused methane emissions could reduce global warming by 0.5°C, but this may not be enough as natural emissions increase.
- Restoration projects like Finland’s Linnunsuo reserve show potential in reducing methane emissions by rehabilitating damaged ecosystems.
Key quote:
"We are seeing a collision of two phenomena; one natural, which is El Niño, and the other a phenomenon produced by humans, which is the change in the Earth’s temperature."
— Ayan Fleischmann, hydrologist
Why this matters:
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its increasing release from natural and human sources could severely accelerate climate change, making immediate action necessary.
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