Methane emissions from warming ecosystems pose a major climate threat

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.

Related EHN coverage:

• Major oil and gas companies join program to cut methane emissions
• Oil and gas methane emissions in US are at least 15% higher than we thought
• Methane emissions surge, scientists urge immediate action