Published in Science · View the paper (DOI)
A combination of weakened atmospheric removal and increased emissions from warming wetlands, rivers, lakes, and agricultural land led to the surge in methane levels. Climate variability amplified methane emissions across interconnected ecosystems, with key contributions from tropical Africa and Southeast Asia.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Boston College scientists help explain why methane spiked in the early 2020s Boston College · Feb 5, 2026 · first to report
- Methane jump wasn’t just emissions — the atmosphere (temporarily) stopped breaking it down American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) · Feb 5, 2026