Although methane is less persistent than CO₂ in the atmosphere over the longer term, it is over 80 times more potent over a 20 year period.

Our analysis of the data from eight North Sea oil platforms has found that operators may be under-reporting their methane emissions (particularly from leaks) by a factor of 11 on average and, in some cases, emissions may be up to 70 times higher than the government reports.

For more information, contact

Liam Hardy, senior policy analyst: lhardy@green-alliance.org.uk