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Environment & Energy
In reply to the discussion: Arctic Methane - This Does Not Sound Good... [View all]Nederland
(9,976 posts)56. Two points
1) Methane does not stay in the atmosphere like CO2 does. It dissipates in about 10 years.
2) Even if new studies indicate a higher level of methane release from melting permafrost than previously thought, it will likely pale in comparison to the amount of methane released by wetlands and animals every year. For example, termites alone are estimated to release 20 million metric tons of methane every year. (http://www.epa.gov/outreach/pdfs/Methane-and-Nitrous-Oxide-Emissions-From-Natural-Sources.pdf)
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I was rendered immediately breathless, and was made to sit and meditate deeply
Ghost Dog
Dec 2011
#43
I didn't do well in chemistry class (bad teacher, I claim) but does this make sense
Ghost Dog
Dec 2011
#47
I'm not sure that's technically feasible, we're talking thousands of square kilometers.
joshcryer
Dec 2011
#55
Luckily, I have no kids! My ancestral carbon footprint shrinks to zero by 2040.
aletier_v
Dec 2011
#53
Right, a little over a long time is nothing, a lot over a little time is an issue.
joshcryer
Dec 2011
#59