Global warming accelerates CO2 emissions from soil microbes

Microbes release CO2 when decomposing organic material in the soil. This emission has been increasing since the 1980s. (Photo: Markus Bolliger) When Microorganisms decompose organic material in the soil, they actively release CO₂ into the atmosphere. This process is called heterotrophic respiration. A novel model shows that these emissions could surge by up to 40 percent by the end of the century - most significantly in the polar regions. In brief. It is projected that by the end of the century, CO₂ emissions from soil microbes will escalate.