Methane levels in Earth’s atmosphere surged faster than ever in the early 2020s, and scientists say the reason was a surprising mix of chemistry and climate. A temporary slowdown in the atmosphere’s ...

Atmospheric methane rose faster than ever in the early 2020s, driven less by fossil fuels and more by changes in nature itself.

Methane spiked in the early 2020s as wetter conditions boosted emissions at the same time the atmosphere’s chemical “cleaner” weakened.

A combination of weakened atmospheric removal and increased emissions from warming wetlands, rivers, lakes, and agricultural land increased atmospheric methane at an unprecedented rate in the early ...