Earth's temperature could drop sharply - study
Researchers have studied the possibility of lowering Earth's temperature by removing methane from the atmosphere. Modeling showed that this method could quickly reduce temperature, but the effect would be temporary: after intervention stops, global warming would resume. Scientists emphasize that the technology is at the experimental stage.
Researchers have explored the prospect of extracting methane from the atmosphere or decomposing it directly in the air as a way to combat global warming. Unlike preventing new emissions, this approach involves working with already accumulated gas and is still at the experimental stage. Professor Daniel Johansson of Chalmers University of Technology emphasized that methane removal could temporarily reduce peak warming, but it is not a permanent solution: if methane removal stops, warming will return. Although there is much less methane in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, it has a significantly stronger greenhouse effect. Methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter time, so reducing its concentration could potentially affect global temperature more quickly. The study compared three possible climate intervention methods: atmospheric methane removal, CO₂ extraction with long-term storage, and solar radiation management. Computer modeling results showed that atmospheric methane removal could reduce temperature fairly quickly, but the effect would not be permanent. The recovery of temperature growth is expected to be smoother than in the scenario of stopping solar radiation management. CO₂ removal can provide a longer-lasting climate effect, provided reliable and long-term storage of the extracted gas. One key challenge is the extremely low concentration of methane in the atmosphere—only about two parts per million. Additional questions arise regarding the potential impact of methane removal on atmospheric chemical processes, including its interaction with ozone. Scientists emphasize that the work is dedicated to assessing the possible climate impact of such technology, not confirming its readiness for widespread practical use.