Swedish scientists find higher emissions from inland waters

A Swedish-led study has found greenhouse gas emissions from inland waters are greater than previously thought, according to Swedish news agency TT Friday.

According to the study published in the journal Science, scientists may have exaggerated nature's ability to absorb human emissions.

"In the debate, one often hears that the natural sinks can offset human fossil fuel emissions. Our results show that one cannot rely on it fully," said study leader Professor David Bastviken from Linkoping University.

Bastviken said that, on the contrary, inland waters, including lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers, were often substantial methane sources in the terrestrial landscape.

But they were not yet well integrated in global greenhouse gas budgets.

Research results from 474 freshwater ecosystems and the most recent global water areas show that methane emissions from freshwater correspond to a quarter of all carbon dioxide emitted and must be recognized as an important part of the global carbon cycle.

He said that forests can act as sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide emitted into the air and improving the greenhouse balance.

Researchers on the team also came from Uppsala University, Stockholm University and institutions in the U.S. and Brazil.

Source: Xinhua