Atmospheric methane concentrations are increasing at an alarming rate, currently being almost 2.6 times higher than in pre-industrial times. Anthropogenic methane emissions are the leading cause of this overall rise, while natural sources make a substantial contribution as well. Natural methane emissionsFactoring this into global methane estimations could change our understanding of the relative proportions of methane sources, suggesting possible increases in emissions from biological sources such as agriculture and wetlands. “But recent increases in dust from North Africa have probably increased methane oxidation in the atmosphere, partly masking the growth in biological methane emissions. The past few years have seen atmospheric methane increase at an alarming rate, more than ever before, and it is important to understand the cause.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 25, 2023 13:50 UTC