Science · 6 August 2026 · From issue 17
Siberian methane emissions grew 12 teragrams from 2010 to 2023, driven by fires and wet soil.
Sihong Zhu, Yi Liu et al., Decadal doubling of Siberian methane emissions due to warming-induced fires and methanogenesis, Science.
Methane gas released from Siberia's frozen ground and wetlands during the growing season jumped by 12 teragrams between 2010 and 2023. That is about 5% more each year. Warmer, drier weather in eastern Siberia caused more wildfires, which released methane. Wetter weather in western Siberia caused wetlands to release more methane too. By 2050, this rising Siberian methane could cancel out about 20% of the global methane cuts needed to meet climate goals.
The rise in Siberian growing-season methane emissions measured between 2010 and 2023.
Air measurements over one region, projection to 2050 is uncertain.
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