Page 269 - Microbial methane cycling in a warming world From biosphere to atmosphere Michiel H in t Zandt

array of both biotic and abiotic factors that are in turn affected by climate change. The potential of increasing the oxidation capacity by e.g. stimulating the natural CH4 filter capacity of wetlands and soils, which is largely controlled by interactions with vegetation, nitrogen availability, pH, and micronutrient (mainly copper) availability, could be investigated (Torn and Chapin 1993; Benstead and King 2001; Bodelier and Laanbroek 2004; Kip et al. 2010; Ho et al. 2013b). Furthermore, methanotrophs belonging to the USC-α and -γ clusters are able to oxidize CH4 at atmospheric levels (Knief, Lipski and Dunfield 2003; Pratscher et al. 2018; Zhao et al. 2018; Tveit et al. 2019). This provides promising targets for future research on increasing natural CH4 sink capacities. Future research could target the investigation of increasing this potential CH4 filter by e.g. targeted fertilization of methanotrophic microorganisms with copper and nitrogen sources. Within the bigger picture, environmental impact studies have to look into the potential reduction of atmospheric CH4 levels together with the associated adverse ecosystem changes, such as environmental modifications.
From fact to act
After awareness comes the desire to act, and the commitment to make the changes that are needed. If we look at the climate crisis, the awareness wave in the 1970s to 1990s peaked when a clear link between human GHG emissions and a warming world was made. Following this, the desire and commitment began to grow in the 1990s. Currently, we are in the challenging stage of changing our behavior, and developing new, more climate-friendly habits. This takes time, energy, many efforts, and lots of practice. Most of us fail to commit, not because we are unable to connect to the issue, but because we are not completely aware of what we need to change. Here lies a great responsibility for scientists and scholars to provide appropriate tools to accommodate the transition to a sustainable world. No one can solve a global problem entirely on their own, but we all can and need to contribute.
Nowadays, more and more scientists publicly raise their concerns on the impacts of climate change. This is essential, since their perspective can provide the discussion with the necessary background and facts. One such scientific movement is the Scientists4Future alliance, which started in Germany in March 2019 (Hagedorn et al. 2019). Their core message: the concerns of the young protesters are justified, and more climate protection is necessary. The statement was signed by nearly 27 thousand scientists and scholars. In the fall of 2019, Scientists4Future NL
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