Methane in the atmosphere is growing at a record rate – the exact reason for the rapid growth is unknown

The amount of methane in the atmosphere grew at a record pace last year.

Atmospheric methane concentrations are now about 15% higher than the 1984-2006 average and well over double pre-industrial levels.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas with the greatest impact on anthropogenic global warming after carbon dioxide.

Methane does not stay in the atmosphere for long, but it is 25 times stronger than carbon dioxide to bind heat.