How Much Do Termites Contribute to Global Warming?

Wouter

Termites are not a big contributor to global warming. However, the animals’ ability to break down dead wood and release methane into the atmosphere may be playing an important role in the carbon cycle. Termites are also sensitive to climate change. In the tropical and subtropical regions, they can play an essential role in the ecosystems. As the earth warms, they will spread north and south.

The number of termites putting out methane into the atmosphere is relatively small. They have been estimated to contribute about 1-3% of annual global methane emissions. But this figure is unlikely to provide much comfort about the long-term trend in atmospheric gases.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. It is about 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. And the amount of methane in the atmosphere is increasing at a rate of 1 per cent a year.

There are three main processes involved in the methane cycle. Methane is produced in a symbiotic metabolic cascade of lignocellulose breakdown in termite hindguts. Bacteria in the mounds then use methane as a source of energy. The bacteria in the soil of the mounds consume half the methane emitted by termites.

Besides releasing methane into the atmosphere, termites also decompose dead wood in low moisture environments. Their presence in a tropical forest is important because deadwood litters the landscape. These organisms are sensitive to changing climate, including changes in rainfall.

Until recently, the natural gas cycle was balanced. Plant respiration added about ten to fifteen times as much carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as termites. But as the developing nations industrialize, the combustion of fuel increases.

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