February 1, 2007
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmMethane Flatline
By David Biello
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
For 20 years, the levels of methane in the lowest layer of our atmosphere soared. But recent data indicate that the growth rate of the greenhouse gas, which is less abundant than carbon dioxide but traps 23 times more heat per molecule, began slowing in 1998. Researchers agree that the pause results from decreasing emissions of methane, but they have not pinpointed which sources have decreased and by how much. Leading hypotheses include the collapse of the Soviet Union, which resulted in a decline in energy use in the region; decreasing emissions from coal mining; and a decline in rice production. The data reported in the November 23 issue of Geophysical Research Letters also do not predict whether the trend will continue. Regardless, methane stabilization is good news, because it allows for more time to address the main culprit behind climate change: carbon dioxide.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
