Electricity
Fix Methane Leaks
The Climate Problem That Can Be Fixed Fast
Methane is invisible, powerful and easy to miss, but stopping leaks could deliver one of the fastest cuts in near-term warming. We follow methane from oil and gas wells to pipelines, coal mines, landfills and farms, then show how satellites, aircraft, sensors and simple repairs can find and stop it. Much of the technology already exists. The challenge is turning an unseen waste problem into an urgent, measurable and surprisingly fixable climate solution.
(Illustrated guide coming soon)
4.4overall
How this solution scores
- Impact4 / 5Methane is a very potent planet warmer, so plugging leaks slows warming quickly.
- Speed5 / 5A sealed leak stops warming immediately.
- Cost4 / 5Often profitable; the captured gas is worth more than the repair.
- Readiness5 / 5Satellites and sensors find leaks today; the fixes are ordinary engineering.
- Nature4 / 5Also cuts local air pollution, with no downside.
Currently in progress
We are still researching this solution. When its film is ready, this page will also have:
- The film, narrated by Stephen Fry
- A free illustrated guide
- The full transcript
- A short quiz
- References and further reading
- Further videos
