Increasing methane emissions are a major contributor to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere, and are responsible for up to one-third of near-term global heating. During 2019, about 60% (360 million tons) of methane released globally was from human activities, while natural sources contributed about 40% (230 million tons).

Arctic methane release is the release of methane from seas and soils in permafrost regions of the Arctic.While it is a long-term natural process, methane release is exacerbated by global warming.This results in a positive feedback cycle, as methane is itself a powerful greenhouse gas.. The Arctic region is one of the many natural sources of the greenhouse gas methane.