14 Alarming Connections Between Termites and Climate Change: Environmental Scientists' Growing Concerns

2. Methane Emission Impact

Although termites are tiny, their combined methane emissions are enough to demand major consideration. Like cattle, these insects break down food to generate methane. According to recent studies, termite-generated methane makes up 1–3% of world methane emissions, or roughly 20 million metric tons yearly. Termite populations may rise as warming temperatures extend suitable habitats for them, hence increasing methane emissions. Since methane is a greenhouse gas almost 25 times more strong than carbon dioxide in terms of atmospheric heat trapping, this generates still another alarming feedback mechanism in the climate system.