Climate-relevant greenhouse gas emissions of inland waters in Germany and estimation of their mitigation potential by restoration measures

Abstract

According to a UBA study, water bodies can be sources of greenhouse gases and thus contribute to climate change. In our surface waters carbon and nitrogen can be transformed into carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The type of gas that is produced, results from various biological and chemical decomposition processes of organic material. In heavily anthropogenically modified surface water, conditions are created that favour the release of greenhouse gases. Waters that have been modified by humans therefore emit more greenhouse gases. River restoration and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our surface waters.