Ethane can remain in the air for around two months, making it a global pollutant. Fracking is viewed as a means to aid the transition from the present day reliance on coal and other fossil fuels to a low - carbon , energy efficient future . It is not without its detractors , however , who argue that leakages of methane gas are entering Earth 's atmosphere , thereby contributing towards global climate change . Methane gas is known for its global warming potential ; a position that is at odds with agreements to reduce carbon emissions as part of a green agenda . The problem with fracking is that it relies upon methane as a bridging fuel between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources ; however , it will only benefit the environment if leaks from pipework and drilling are no greater than 2 or 3 meters .
Fracking is viewed as a means to aid the transition from the present day reliance on coal and other fossil fuels to a low - carbon , energy efficient future . It is not without its detractors , however , who argue that leakages of methane gas are entering Earth 's atmosphere , thereby contributing towards global climate change . Methane gas is known for its global warming potential ; a position that is at odds with agreements to reduce carbon emissions as part of a green agenda . The problem with fracking is that it relies upon methane as a bridging fuel between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources ; however , it will only benefit the environment if leaks from pipework and drilling are no greater than 2 or 3 meters .