Global methane emission soars to record levels
Global levels of the potent greenhouse gas methane rose to a record high for a second consecutive year in 2021, according to data released by NOAA on Thursday, hitting the highest levels since scientists began measuring these emissions nearly four decades ago.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists observed a record annual increase in atmospheric levels of methane, the second most prevalent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, of 17 parts per billion (ppb). Fossil fuel production and use contributes nearly one-third of total methane emissions.
The data underscores how significantly methane has been underestimated by governments and comes after over 100 countries have agreed to collectively slash emissions of the gas by 30 percent by the end of the decade.
The report showed that levels of carbon dioxide also continued to increase rapidly, with the global surface average for carbon dioxide during 2021 at 414.7 parts per million (ppm), an increase of 2.66 ppm over the 2020 average.
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