A 2025 study using satellite data revealed dozens of “major methane leaks” around the world, with the primary sources linked to poorly maintained oil and gas infrastructure.
Methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, responsible for around 25% of global warming. Each large leak can have a climate impact comparable to that of a major coal-fired power plant.
Many of the leaks were detected in Turkmenistan, while in the United States — particularly in Texas — methane emissions were recorded at rates as high as 5.5 tons per hour, equivalent to the emissions produced by more than 1 million SUVs.
Researchers point out that this problem is “relatively easy and low-cost to solve,” since the leaked gas can be captured and reused. However, no country has yet taken sufficiently serious action to address it.
In addition, landfill sites worldwide are another major source of methane emissions, generated by the decomposition of organic waste.
Although methane is extremely potent, it also breaks down in the atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide. Scientists say that rapidly cutting methane emissions could act as an “emergency brake” on the climate crisis.
