Methane emissions from oil and gas are even worse than previously thought

Recent research indicates that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for far more methane than previously believed. 

Experts say slashing methane emissions is essential to staving off the worst effects of global warming, with the United Nations calling it "the strongest lever we have to slow climate change." Yet a new analysis of satellite data shows that fossil fuel companies — which contribute up to half of human-caused methane emissions around the globe — are falling far short of their pledges to eliminate the environmentally destructive hydrocarbon.  Geofinancial Analytics, a satellite data provider, examined images of oil-and-gas producing regions in the U.S. and around the world, and, for the first time, linked methane emissions to specific companies. Researchers compared companies' actual methane output with their expected emissions level based on self-reported data and climate plans. The firm then ranked producers on a scale from "CC" to "A" (mimicking ratings for financial products), with the worst emitters earning the former grade.