Rotorua Reveals Anti-warming Weapon

A scientific breakthrough in NZ could play a major role in combating global warming. A group of microbiologists at Hells Gate in Rotorua has discovered a new bacterium that eats methane – one of the key contributors to global warming. Scientists have long puzzled over why the methane produced geothermally at Hells Gate does not reach the surface. The answer appears to be the newly named Methylokorus infernorum bacterium. “Potentially it [the bacterium] could be used to combat methane emissions,” said study participant Dr Matthew Stott, while adding that the technology will take several years to develop. Stott believes that the bacterium will be most useful in helping landfills and factories reduce their methane output.