environment
Revealed: the world’s worst mega-leaks of methane driving global heating
Exclusive: Fixing a leak can be simple and equivalent to closing a coal power station, making lack of action maddening, say analysts
TL;DR
- Satellite data has revealed the world's worst methane mega-leaks from oil and gas facilities in 2025.
- These super-polluting plumes have a significant global heating impact but often result from poor maintenance and can be easily fixed.
- Stopping these leaks can be free, as captured gas can be sold.
- Turkmenistan has the most mega-leaks, but significant plumes were also found in the US, Venezuela, and Iran.
- Landfill sites are also sources of methane mega-leaks globally.
- Methane emissions cause 25% of global heating, and cutting them has a rapid impact.
- Researchers highlight the 'maddening' nature of inaction on these easily solvable climate issues.
- Visibility through satellite imagery is expected to increase public and political pressure for action.
- Turkmenistan's claims of reduced leaks are contradicted by the new analysis, potentially impacting its access to the European market.
- Experts call cutting methane the climate 'emergency brake' due to its powerful and rapid effects.