
To combat climate change, human activities more important than natural feedbacks
Permafrost in the soil and methane hydrates deep in the ocean are large reservoirs of ancient carbon. But even if methane is released from these large natural stores, new Rochester data shows that the bigger concern is methane released from human activities.

Methane emitted via human fossil fuel use ‘vastly underestimated’
Reducing emissions from human activities like fossil fuel extraction and use will have a greater impact on curbing future global warming than scientists previously thought, a new Rochester study suggests.

Unearthing climate clues buried in ice
The Meliora flag flies over the Law Dome research station in Antarctica, where Rochester scientists are battling some of the toughest field conditions ever in their effort to understand humans’ impact on climate.

Icy air reveals human-made methane levels higher than previously believed
Professor Vasilii Petrenko and his team are studying the air trapped in ice cores that date back nearly 12,000 years, long before mankind’s use of fossil fuels, to separate man-made from naturally occurring methane sources.

Paleoclimatologist Wins Packard Fellowship
Vasilii Petrenko is one of 16 researchers being awarded a prestigious David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship totaling $875,000 over five years to spend on a research project of his or her choice.