Story perspectives

Tree Bark Microbes Could Cut Methane Emissions by 15%

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Southern Cross University and Monash University find that tree bark hosts active microbial communities, called aerotrophs, that purify the air by consuming methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide.
The study estimates these bark-associated microbes could remove up to 55 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, potentially offsetting about 15% of human-caused methane emissions.
The barkosphere is a climate regulator, and planting more trees could enhance this natural air-cleaning process.

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Story summary

Researchers from Southern Cross University and Monash University find that tree bark hosts active microbial communities, called aerotrophs, that purify the air by consuming methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide.
The study estimates these bark-associated microbes could remove up to 55 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, potentially offsetting about 15% of human-caused methane emissions.
The barkosphere is a climate regulator, and planting more trees could enhance this natural air-cleaning process.