Skip navigation
  1. Home
  2. Our Work
  3. Methane Pollution: A Public Health Crisis

Fossil Methane: The Invisible Health Emergency

Coal and gas mining has an invisible, toxic, & preventable emissions problem: the flaring and leaking of methane pollution. 

Methane is a dangerous greenhouse gas, 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide and it's fuelling the climate crisis.

Here at Healthy Futures, we represent health workers who want to take climate action, and the scientific experts say reducing fossil methane emissions is one of the most meaningful pathways forward.  

 

READ OUR METHANE & HEALTH REPORT HERE

a

b

The Fossil Methane Problem:

Coal and gas companies are likely underreporting their methane emissions by significant amounts. The lack of transparency hides the true impact of this pollution, hindering effective interventions.

  • Methane is responsible for one-third of global warming, fueling extreme weather events like floods and fires. Climate change harms public health in multiple and complicated ways, including exacerbating the intensity of weather events, worsening respiratory illnesses because of severe air pollution, and impacting food security. 
  • Weak to non-existent government regulations allow companies to pollute with impunity, and Australia's current policy landscape must catch up to its international methane reduction commitments.

Fuelling a Public Health Crisis:

Methane's contribution to climate change poses a dire threat to human health as well as being a significant environmental issue. Rising temperatures and worsening air pollution exacerbate climate change impacts, triggering increasingly significant, widespread:

  • Respiratory illnesses: Increased ground-level ozone and particulate matter aggravate asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. This disproportionately impacts children, the elderly, and communities living near gas and coal operations.
  • Heat-related illnesses: Extreme heat waves fueled by climate change lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and increased cardiovascular strain, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Food insecurity: Climate change disrupts agricultural patterns, causing droughts, floods, and crop failures, threatening food availability and affordability.

A lack of strong government action on climate allows companies to prioritise profits over public health. This inaction exacerbates the dangers of fossil fuels. The health impacts of climate change and fossil methane demand immediate action. By addressing methane emissions, we can protect public health and buy time for broader climate action.

The Opportunity:

Health workers are committed to best practices and transparency, and as such, we demand accountability from Australia’s biggest polluters and from the governments that regulate dirty polluting industries. We urge our community to join the fight for clean air and a stable climate.

Addressing methane offers a fast track to climate action. By slashing emissions, we can buy time to transition to clean energy and protect our environment and public health.


The Solution:

Together, we can demand stricter regulations, hold polluters accountable, and invest in clean energy solutions. Australia needs a National Methane Action Plan with strict targets to eliminate coal and gas mining methane emissions. This includes:

  • Accurate monitoring: Employ advanced satellites and ground-based technologies to track methane leaks accurately.
  • Zero-tolerance regulations: Implement strict leak detection and repair protocols, penalising non-compliance.
  • Investing in solutions: Support new methane capture and utilisation technologies, creating green jobs and reducing emissions.


Our Campaign:

Climate change is a health crisis. Tackling methane emissions is not just about protecting the environment; it's about safeguarding health and well-being. See our work here: 

 

Call to Action