Greenhouse gas levels reached an all-time high in 2023, driven by a surge in carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns of a potential vicious cycle as natural ecosystems become sources of greenhouse gases due to climate change. This alarming trend underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and protect the planet.
MiQ, a global leader in emissions certification, has partnered with EQT Corporation and Uniper to pilot a new model for verifying and differentiating US LNG cargos based on their emissions. This initiative uses MiQ’s Supply Chain Protocol to provide comprehensive emissions data, enhancing transparency and enabling buyers to choose lower-emission options. The pilot transaction signifies a critical step toward addressing growing demand for transparent supply chain emissions information in the global LNG market.
Scientists have discovered that methane plays a crucial role in driving the powerful storms on Uranus and Neptune. This simple hydrocarbon acts as a heat transfer regulator, controlling the formation and intensity of these massive, short-lived events. The study suggests that methane condensation and its cyclical movement within the atmospheres of these ice giants can explain the unpredictable nature of these storms.
A new report reveals a concerning rise in methane emissions, driven largely by human activity. The increase, exceeding 20% over the past two decades, threatens to derail climate change goals, including the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit. The study highlights the urgent need for stronger action to curb methane emissions, particularly from agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste.
While carbon dioxide gets the most attention, other potent greenhouse gases are significantly contributing to global warming. This article delves into the sources, impacts, and efforts to reduce these gases, highlighting the need for comprehensive climate action beyond CO2 reduction.
Initial observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) hinted at the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the atmosphere of a distant Earth-like planet, K2-18b. However, a new study suggests that the signal could be from methane clouds, casting doubt on the earlier claims of potential life detection. The study models the behavior of DMS in hydrogen-rich atmospheres and finds itunlikely that JWST could distinguish between DMS and methane in the specific wavelengths it examined. However, the team remains hopeful, as JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) may be more capable of detecting DMS and clarifying the planet’s composition.
