Methane levels in Africa have risen steadily over the past three decades, highlighting growing concerns over the continent’s contribution to climate change.
Data presented in the infographic, sourced from a World Meteorological Organisation report, shows atmospheric methane concentrations increasing from about 1,725 parts per billion (ppb) in 1990 to nearly 1,790 ppb in 2000.
The concentration rose further to around 1,810 ppb in 2010 before reaching approximately 1,885 ppb by 2020.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps significantly more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over shorter periods, making changes in its concentration important for global warming.
Rising methane levels can be linked to activities such as agriculture, livestock production, fossil fuel extraction and waste management.
The trend underscores the need for stronger efforts to identify and reduce methane emissions while improving monitoring across Africa.
Cutting methane emissions could help slow the pace of near-term warming and support broader climate goals.
