Hydrogen is increasingly seen by governments and industry around the world as the Holy Grail of climate-friendly energy solutions. Tens of billions of dollars are pouring into the sector, backed by hefty incentives.

Fossil fuel companies in particular envision “clean” hydrogen made from natural gas as their lifeline in a decarbonizing energy market.

But climate scientists warn that hydrogen is a leak-prone gas with potent warming effects that are widely overlooked even by experts. And the latest research shows hydrogen has up to six times the near-term warming power than previously recognized.

To deliver the climate benefits that its many promoters promise, careful strategies are needed to keep the tiny molecules from escaping into the atmosphere.