Scientists Uncover Cause of Methane Surge During COVID Shutdown

Recent research has linked the dramatic increase in global methane emissions from 2020 to 2022 to intensified flooding in tropical wetlands and a decline in atmospheric hydroxide levels, SciTech Daily revealed yesterday.

An analysis of satellite data revealed that heavy rains, likely influenced by La Niña conditions, boosted methane production in wetlands due to enhanced anaerobic microbial activity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced human activity led to decreased air pollution, which lowered hydroxide (OH) concentrations that typically help break down methane. Researchers found that flooding in equatorial Asia and Africa accounted for 43% and 30% of the methane surge, respectively, while the decline in OH contributed only 28%.

This study highlights the significance of understanding wetland dynamics in addressing methane’s impact on climate change. Improved observations of wetland emissions and their response to changing precipitation patterns are essential for effective mitigation strategies. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.