Fortunately, we have some remarkable researchers today who are not just content with investigating, but are also driven to go beyond the conventional boundaries. A notable example of this is the ongoing research into climate change, a topic that, to a greater or lesser extent, we all have some knowledge of. While studies on CO2 have dominated the discourse, there’s another, lesser-known but equally hazardous gas that’s gaining attention.
A Hidden yet Potent Threat
This gas, though found in lower concentrations, has a more significant capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere, making it a primary concern in the fight against climate change. The sources of this gas can be likened to “black holes” due to their elusive nature, both in terms of identification and control. They emit constantly, but the volume isn’t always as substantial as those from known “super-emitters.”
The super-emitters, such as poorly managed oil and gas, release large amounts of methane, our gas of interest. Furthermore, methane sources emit the gas gradually over time, making them more challenging to detect without the right technology.
A recent study has been pivotal in identifying these types of sources globally. Published in the prestigious journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics in 2025, the research analyzed over 200 methane sources worldwide, focusing on those that emit the gas consistently over time.
Anthropogenic Methane Sources in Mexico
The term “anthropogenic” refers to emissions generated by human activities. For methane, the primary sources include livestock, fossil fuel production, and waste management, among others. Specifically, the Central-West region of Mexico has been identified as a significant methane emission source, although it doesn’t rank among the top ten globally.
This region includes states like Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Michoacán, which have anthropogenic factors contributing to constant emissions. One of the primary sources is the region’s livestock activity. The digestive process of animals like cows, sheep, and goats, as well as the accumulation of manure, can significantly increase methane levels.
The Study by Vanselow and Its Global Impact
The data presented here stem from the study “Automatic Detection of Regions with Persistently Elevated Methane Concentrations Using Sentinel-5 Satellite Data” by Steffen Vanselow and his team, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics in 2024.
The research reveals that while methane emissions in Mexico don’t reach the extreme levels of other global sources, such as the wetlands in South Sudan or the gas fields in Turkmenistan, they remain a significant concern for climate change. Whether from natural sources or human footprint, methane sources are abundant worldwide, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that our country harbors a region that elevates suggested levels. The anthropogenic sources in the Central-West region are a significant source of emissions, underscoring the importance of taking care of our planet, and the need for action is now.
