Nothing Natural: Effective Messaging on Methane Leaks from Oil & Gas
Methane leaks are more frequent and dangerous than the public realizes and are the result of careless corporate behavior. This guide gives communicators the narratives and strategies to increase awareness and build support for solutions.
Why is messaging on oil and gas methane leaks needed?
The only permanent solution to methane pollution is fully transitioning to clean and renewable sources of energy. In the interim, however, there is an affordable and highly effective solution that the public is largely unaware of: drastically reducing methane leaks from oil and gas companies. This is one of the fastest, cheapest climate wins within reach. Because methane emissions from oil and gas are uniquely measurable and actionable, we can achieve massive reductions right now using existing technologies.
But voluntary action hasn’t been enough. True progress requires robust policy and strict enforcement, driven by overwhelming public demand.
What narratives best address methane leaks and oil and gas pollution?
The best message emphasizes how there’s nothing “natural” about the gas leaking from wells, pipelines, and refineries:
- Gas leaks are constant, leaking from wells and pipelines far more than people realize
- Gas leaks are chemical, spilling super-pollutant chemicals into our air, water, and soil.
- And gas leaks are the result of careless behavior—irresponsible oil & gas companies who make a mess and don’t clean it up.
By effectively framing the frequency, emphasizing the urgency, and reframing the responsibility for oil and gas methane leaks, communicators can drive strong support for leak policy. In the process, the underappreciated risks of “natural” gas become even clearer, ultimately driving support for fully transitioning to clean and renewable sources of energy.
What is in this methane leaks messaging guide?
This guide provides simple, non-technical messaging strategies to expose the threat of methane leaks, boost support for solutions, and challenge the myth of “clean natural gas.” Inside, you will find the tools to build consumer awareness and mobilize the public demand necessary to clean up methane leaks and take a vital step toward eliminating the damage of this super-pollutant.
The research answers questions like the following:
- To what extent do people support action on methane leaks today–and what’s holding them back from stronger support?
- What are the best narratives to increase public awareness and demand to clean up methane leaks?
- Which messages work best for specific goals and audiences?
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