By Justin Worland and Heather Jones
A gas leak deep under Los Angeles has been spewing 1.6 million lbs. of methane each day, with no immediate end in sight.
The months-long leak in Porter Ranch is already the worst in California’s history, and environmental advocates fear it could have a long-term impact on the climate. While methane does not stay in the atmosphere for as long as carbon dioxide, it traps radiation more effectively, making it a significant contributor to global warming.
To put the size of the methane leak in perspective, see how it compares to other causes of climate change:
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Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com