New Study Reveals How Ancient River Carbon Emissions Could Spearhead Climate Change

MILWAUKEE – Climate change is a complicated issue, and a recent study published in Nature reveals more about carbon emissions from our rivers and streams. This research challenges old beliefs about where carbon dioxide (CO₂) in rivers originates.

Traditionally, scientists believed most river CO₂ came from carbon absorbed from the atmosphere after 1955. That year marked increased atmospheric radiocarbon due to nuclear testing, allowing easier differentiation between newer and older carbon. However, the new research shows that nearly 60% of CO₂ from rivers actually originates from much older sources, some dated back thousands of years.

Each year, rivers and streams emit around 2 billion tons of CO₂. Strikingly, only 41% of this CO₂ is modern carbon, while a significant 59% comes from ancient sources. The study analyzed nearly 1,200 river samples worldwide and found that larger rivers, especially in dry or rocky regions, emit the most ancient carbon.

This discovery matters because carbon emissions—both from human activities and nature—drive climate change. The presence of more ancient carbon implies that our landscapes may store more man-made CO₂ than we thought. Erosion and land-use changes could speed up the release of this ancient carbon, potentially worsening atmospheric warming.

But there’s also a silver lining. The research suggests that land ecosystems might be holding onto more carbon than previously believed. With only 41% of river emissions coming from modern carbon, nature may be buffering climate impacts better than we’ve estimated. While the leak of older carbon is a concern, it happens more slowly, providing us with valuable time to develop effective strategies.

Looking ahead, scientists face challenges in pinpointing the exact age of CO₂ from rivers due to changes in water flow. Future studies will need precise measurements to track how carbon ages over time and how factors like droughts and heavy rains may affect carbon emissions.

As we learn more about our planet’s resilience and its complex systems, it’s crucial to approach environmental stewardship with care. Understanding these dynamics will give us better tools to combat climate change while recognizing the natural world’s capacity to adapt and support life.

For further insights, consider checking out more studies on this topic at Nature or explore the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s resources.

The Source: Information in this report comes from FOX6 Weather Experts and: Dean, J. F., et al. (2025). Nature, 642, 105–111.

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