A recent study from the University of Copenhagen reveals a hopeful sign in the fight against climate change: Greenland's ice-free regions are acting as significant methane sinks. Since 2000, these dry landscapes have absorbed over 65,000 tonnes of methane annually, effectively balancing out the 9,000 tonnes released from wet areas.
Methane, known as the second-biggest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, plays a crucial role in the planet's temperature rise. According to the United Nations, methane is responsible for approximately 30% of the increase in average temperatures since the industrial revolution.
The findings, published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, offer encouraging news. As methane's impact on the environment is particularly severe, understanding and enhancing these natural absorption processes could be key in mitigating climate change effects.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
