Methane Emissions from Wetlands

Methane is an important greenhouse gas that’s contributed to around one third of global warming. About a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands. Wetland habitats are filled with things like waterlogged soils and permafrost, which is what makes them sizable carbon sinks. But as a warming climate causes wetland soils to warm or flood, carbon is released into the atmosphere as methane.

Methane emissions from wetlands for the years 1980-2021with significant wetlands highlighted.

Methane emissions from wetlands for the years 1980-2021.

Methane emissions from wetlands for the years 1980-2021. This version excludes title, date labels, and colorbar.

Methane emissions from wetlands for the years 1980-2021 mapped to a sphere.

Methane emissions from wetlands for the years 1980-2021 mapped to a sphere with dates and colorbar.