Methane Is Leaking From Beneath Antarctic ice

Scientists are sounding yet another alarm: a new source of greenhouse gas has been discovered in Antarctica. This crisis stems directly from anthropogenic global warming, which is hitting Antarctica and its 30 million cubic km of ice hardest. Now, as the ice vanishes at an alarming rate, a new threat is announced: methane, a gas created over millions of years from organic matter broken down by microbes, is being released from underneath the ice sheets.  

While carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the primary driver of long-term climate change, methane (CH4) is its far more potent, short-lived partner. Over 100 years, methane traps 30 times more heat than CO₂ - and over 80 times more if considered over 20 years. This means that while CO₂ causes a slow and steady increase of warming, methane is a powerful accelerator, making it a key player in driving near-term warming. 

This is because CO₂ - or at least the proportion that isn't absorbed by oceans or plants - remains in the atmosphere for hundreds to thousands of years. Methane on the other hand, only remains in the atmosphere for about 12 years - but its influence in the short term is immense, quite literally like adding fuel to a fire.

Additionally, we are emitting methane far faster than natural processes can remove it. Despite its short life, this constant output means the concentration of methane in our atmosphere is increasing steadily (Figure 1). 

Figure 1 - Global emissions of methane have risen by nearly 10% over the past two decades.

Scientists, having discovered methane seeps in Antarctica, are alarmed because these emissions have not been factored into the future climate change scenarios. In other words, expert projections have most likely underestimated the pace and severity of future warming.

This also means that we could be facing a negative feedback loop which consists of greenhouse gases warming the atmosphere, melting our ice sheets, and releasing further greenhouse gases. The feedback loop is further exacerbated by the decrease of ice surfaces which contribute to the Albedo Effect: the process of surfaces reflecting light back and keeping temperatures low. 

What to make of this?

These newly discovered methane leaks prove that we still have little understanding as to how climate change is accelerating and the ways it will impact environmental systems. It further highlights how once tipping points are reached, it will be virtually impossible to stop these feedback loops and return to safe conditions.  

Although Antarctica is a remote region, the alarms that scientists have rung should be a reminder that global warming has no borders. No place on Earth, and no one, will be spared from the effects of climate change. 

Therefore, this crisis should be faced by collective action to not only slow down our emissions but to aggressively and rapidly eliminate any anthropogenic emissions. Measuring and minimising our carbon footprint is no longer just about sustainability; it is about recognising the role we all have played in contributing to rising global emissions. 

There is a way forward though. Many associations are starting to step up as climate leaders - and this makes a world of difference. Taking a quick step back, the obvious root of the problem is that our entire economic system has fossil fuels embedded deep at its core. That means that everything we make, use, heat, eat, buy, sell, consume, is dependent on fossil fuel.

To solve this issue, society needs the help of leaders that have a clear, robust view and reach into different sectors of the economy - whether we're talking about professionals or industries.

Membership organisations are exactly that. Membership organisations are pillars supporting businesses and professionals, and have tremendous reach into industry, work, and policymaking - which makes them prime candidates for the position of climate leadership that the economy needs right now. And to be honest, day after day, we have more and more hope that maybe this catastrophic crisis in the making can be turned around, or that its worse effects can be avoided - because every day, we see associations increasingly taking in part in climate action, using climate science and making it theirs, so they can support their respective sectors and stakeholders in the long run.

Associations are beginning to roll out industry-wide footprinting programmes, they are considering serviced emissions, they are planning sector-wide decarbonisation, they are helping their members define their role in the transition - and while that process needs to accelerate even more, we have to recognise that momentum is truly starting to build.

If the idea of making a lasting, positive impact to protect our future and livelihoods resonates with you, there is always room for more changemakers in the CAFA ranks.

About CAFA

Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) is the only dedicated network and resource hub focused on sustainability and net zero for the membership sector. CAFA equips professional bodies and trade associations with the guidance, tools, and peer-to-peer connections they need to take meaningful climate action and support their members in doing the same.

If you're a membership organisation wishing to know more about what you can do to support your members with sustainability and addressing climate risks, join Climate Action for Associations here.