Story of Methane: Five Atoms That Changed the World

Small molecules cause big problems in our modern world. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas and the principal component of natural gas. It is currently squeezing the Earth, challenging our long-term survival. But, can it be reimagined and repurposed to play a constructive role in a future sustainable economy?

This book explores the contradictory nature of methane, since it is a potent greenhouse gas, but has the potential to play an important role in the energy transition towards a sustainable global economy. Are we crushing it? In that we can and must transform methane into a clean fuel, feedstock or hydrogen carrier for the green economy. Or is methane crushing it? Our one world will soon be crushed by methane and other molecules if we are either unable or unwilling to transform methane fast enough to save ourselves and the planet.

Written by distinguished scientists, this book appeals to a broad spectrum of academic and industrial communities, as well as the public and policy makers with an interest in how this small molecule, consisting of just five atoms, has had such a profound impact.