Fastest Growth in Methane Levels Since 2014: NOAA – The Energy Mix
Atmospheric methane levels increased at the fastest rate in five years between 2018 and 2019, according to preliminary data released last week by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and scientists aren’t entirely sure why.
“It is not entirely clear what factors are driving the surge. However, there is a firm consensus among scientists that the best response is deep and rapid reductions in methane emitted from the production and distribution of natural gas,” Climate Nexus reports. “If not mitigated, this new trend could, for example, wipe out the gains anticipated from the Paris climate agreement.”