Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Global Anthropogenic Methane Emissions: Spatial Patterns, Decoupling Trends and Inequalities.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, methane (CH₄) emissions have risen faster than carbon dioxide, raising significant concerns. Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of CH₄ emissions, their inequality, and the decoupling of economic growth from emissions is crucial for developing effective reduction policies. This study applies Moran's I index, the Tapio decoupling index, and the Theil index to analyze global CH₄ emissions from 177 countries and regions between 2002 and 2022. CH₄ emissions increased from 292.38 Tg in 2002 to 347.79 Tg in 2012 and further to 379.12 Tg in 2022, with a consistent yet slightly declining spatial clustering. High-high clusters were concentrated in Russia and China, extending into Eastern Europe and Central Asia, while low-low clust

SUBMITTER: Lei Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12290646 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature