News Climate

Fossil fuel use may emit 40 percent more methane than we thought

The finding could help in targeting how and where to reduce this climate-warming gas

gas burning

Oil and natural gas plants burn off some methane with “flaring,” but some gas escapes to the atmosphere via leaky pipes and venting. New research suggests that fossil fuel contributions to methane emissions have been significantly underestimated.

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By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

Using fossil fuels releases much more of the potent greenhouse gas methane than previously thought — possibly 25 to 40 percent more, new research suggests.