Worse than coal? Debate intensifies over carbon impact of US gas imported to Europe

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Le Monde or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The carbon footprint of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported into Europe is at the center of a renewed scientific and policy debate
• A 2024 study by biogeochemist Robert Howarth argued that, when methane emissions across the LNG supply chain are accounted for, U.S. LNG can have a larger climate impact than coal, a conclusion strongly disputed by the gas industry

🔭 The context: U.S. LNG has become increasingly important to Europe following the disruption of Russian gas supplies and broader energy-market turmoil
• According to the article, U.S. LNG represented 60% of Europe's LNG imports, while the European Commission has moved toward delaying by one year the import provisions of its methane regulation, which are intended to improve emissions monitoring and reporting.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, so leakage during gas production, processing and transport can substantially alter LNG's climate footprint
• The debate illustrates why emissions measurement across the entire fossil-fuel supply chain matters when comparing gas with other energy sources

⏭️ What’s next: The scientific disagreement over methane leakage rates and LNG's lifecycle emissions is likely to continue
• The EU's proposed delay could affect how quickly emissions data from imported fossil fuels becomes available and comparable

💬 One quote: TotalEnergies describes gas as “a necessary transition fuel for building a reliable, low-carbon power system.”

📈 One stat: 60% — the share of European LNG imports coming from the United States, according to Le Monde

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