Scientists may have figured out why a potent greenhouse gas is rising. The answer is scary

Scientists may have figured out why a potent greenhouse gas is rising. The answer is scary
The culprits are tiny organisms that live in cows' stomachs, among other places. (Image: Luke Stackpoole, Unsplash)
The Washington Post
By Shannon OsakaAlmost two decades ago, the atmosphere’s levels of methane – a dangerous greenhouse gas that is over 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide in the short term – started to climb. And climb.Methane concentrations, which had been stable for years, soared by 5 or 6 parts per billion every year from 2007 onward. Then, in 2020, the growth rate nearly doubled.Scientists were baffled – and concerned. Methane is the big question mark hanging over the world’s climate estimates.Although it breaks down in the atm...

More Primary Sector

NZ exporters still bullish on China
Primary Sector

NZ exporters still bullish on China

Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms and Synlait Milk were among the NZ exhibitors at CIIE.

Riley Kennedy 12 Nov 2024
Fonterra full steam ahead with consumer business sale
Primary Sector

Fonterra full steam ahead with consumer business sale

Fonterra increased its payout for the fourth time this season.

Riley Kennedy 11 Nov 2024
'Atkins diet' bad for NZ cows and the planet, says group
Primary Sector

'Atkins diet' bad for NZ cows and the planet, says group

MPI’s response to critics: dogma decades old and disproven many times.

Greg Hurrell 08 Nov 2024