Emissions of methane, an important greenhouse gas, may not have been brought
under control. Although the rate at which methane concentrations in the
atmosphere are increasing has slowed since 1980, Sigrun Karlsdottir and Ivar
Isaksen of the University of Oslo in Norway say that this is not because
emissions have stabilised. Using a computer model, they have calculated that the
change is due to faster breakdown of methane by other pollutants such as carbon
monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, particularly over Southeast Asia
(Geophysical Research Letters, vol 27, p 93).
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
3
Ancient human DNA found on cave art for the first time
4
The race to understand how and when Thwaites glacier will collapse
5
Europe鈥檚 heatwave is the hottest and most humid ever
6
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
7
We鈥檝e uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
8
Can home batteries help save the climate and save you money?
9
Most portable air conditioners suck 鈥 but there's an easy fix
10
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls



