Great Salt Lake's Drying Bed Releases 4.1 Million Tons of Greenhouse Gases

New research reveals significant emissions from the exposed lake bed, exacerbating climate change and impacting regional air quality.

Study shows 4.1 million tons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted in 2020.
Human activities and climate change are major contributors to the lake's desiccation.
Emissions from the dried lake bed account for a 7% increase in Utah's greenhouse gas output.
Drying lake beds globally could be significant, overlooked sources of emissions.
Researchers call for inclusion of lake desiccation in climate mitigation policies.