Methane emissions from warming ecosystems pose a major climate threat – “Methane emissions from natural sources like tropical wetlands and Arctic permafrost are increasing as global temperatures rise. Efforts to curb human-caused methane emissions could reduce global warming by 0.5°C, but this may not be enough as natural emissions increase. Restoration projects like Finland’s Linnunsuo reserve show potential in reducing methane emissions by rehabilitating damaged ecosystems.” [Environmental Health News, 8/20/24 (=)]

The other part of climate disaster response: addressing methane emissions – “For many longtime Juneau residents, the Mendenhall Glacier has served as a bold, barren barometer of climate change. Through the decades, we’ve all watched the rapid retreat and the appearance of more and more rock on both sides of the glacier. But now with two disastrous glacial dam outbursts, we see that the Mendenhall Glacier can also register the immediate disaster side of climate change. To Juneau’s credit, the flood of hundreds of homes brought out a healthy response from local, state and federal officials. The combined efforts focused on flood recovery is impressive as noted in the Juneau Empire.” [Anchor Daily News, 8/19/24 (=)]

California just got its ‘own damn satellite’ to track methane pollution – “Planet Labs successfully launched California’s very own satellite Monday to help track dangerous pollutants in the state’s fight against the climate crisis. This new state-of-the-art tool answers California’s own pledge last year for the state and governments around the world to commit to cutting global methane emissions, one of the worst pollutants. California has set its own goal to reduce 40% of its methane emissions by 2030 compared to 2013 levels. The idea was suggested by former Gov. Jerry Brown in 2018. At the time, Brown said: ‘We’re going to launch our own damn satellite to figure out where the pollution is and how we’re going to end it.’” [Times of San Diego, 8/19/24 (=)]