Oil and gas firms ‘have had far worse climate impact than thought’
The oil and gas industry has had a far worse impact on the climate
than previously believed, according to a study indicating that human
emissions of fossil methane have been underestimated by up to 40%.
than previously believed, according to a study indicating that human
emissions of fossil methane have been underestimated by up to 40%.
Although the research will add to pressure on fossil fuel companies,
scientists said there was cause for hope because it showed a big extra
benefit could come from tighter regulation of the industry and a faster
shift towards renewable energy.
Methane has a greenhouse effect that is about 80 times more potent
than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and is responsible for at
least 25% of global heating, according to the UN Environment Programme.