FACT: Natural gas is a fossil fuel, not a clean source of energy

Natural gas is a fossil fuel like oil and coal – formed from the remains of plants, animals, and microorganisms that lived millions of years ago. When burned, it releases carbon pollution into the atmosphere.

Burning natural gas was responsible for 22 per cent of global carbon emissions from fuel combustion in 2020 (not far behind oil, 32 per cent, and coal, 45 per cent). (IEA)

In addition, the extraction and transport of natural gas often releases methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – into the atmosphere. Natural gas production was responsible for 40 million tons of methane emissions in 2021 – about the same amount of methane emissions as from the oil industry. (IEA) (Methane is about 84 times more potent than CO2, measured over a 20-year period). (UNEP)