2019 atmospheric methane increase greatest in five years: preliminary data

By Rachel Frazin – 04/06/20 04:57 PM EDT

 

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/491424-2019-atmospheric-methane-increase-greatest-in-five-years

 

 

“The average level of methane in the atmosphere increased last year by the highest amount in five years, according to preliminary data released Sunday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that the average level of methane in the atmosphere increased by 11.54 parts per billion (ppb) in 2019 over the level of methane in the atmosphere in 2018.

This is the largest increase since 2014, when the average level of atmospheric methane increased by 12.72 ppb.

NOAA’s data also showed that in December 2019, the last month for which data was available, the level of methane in the atmosphere was about 1,874.7 ppb.

The data in NOAA’s report is preliminary, and the agency said that it is “likely to change significantly.” A final value is expected this fall.”

 

Sky:

What this article and many others I have observed, fails to mention is that methane breaks down into water and CO2; both greenhouse gasses.  CO2 stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years.  Thus, methane doses out a double whammy of threat to the environment.