Methane leakage from natural gas extraction is a major environmental concern, as methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.

Methane leakage is a critical environmental issue linked to natural gas extraction, transportation, and storage. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over 100 years. Even small leaks during drilling, fracking, or pipeline operations can significantly impact global warming. Addressing methane leakage is crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas and ensuring it remains a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels. Technologies to detect and mitigate leaks are being developed to minimize environmental and climate impacts.