Yes, I know it’s not technically just methane, but methane is its primary constituent.

“Fossil gas” is also probably a suitable term, but I like “fossil methane” because it gets that spooky chemical name benefit.

  • SmoothIsFast@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    It’s called natural gas because before we got it from the ground we got it by heating coal until it gave off gas and piping that to homes and businesses.

    Natural gas is natural because it naturally occurs in the earth and is not distilled from coal like coal gas is.

    • Eheran@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      This right here. Stop spreading nonsense TO, making it look as if that was a fact. Look at the history of lighting etc.

    • Uranium3006@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      That is the true etymology of natural gas, we can call it whatever we want including “bottled farts”

    • too_high_for_this
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      1 year ago

      And it’s already considered a fossil fuel (mostly).

      It’s a hell of a lot cleaner than coal. Cheaper than electricity for heating. Extraction is relatively simple and clean. And the entire industry produces less pollution worldwide than fucking COWS.

      I’m all for electric everything, but unless your power supply is 100% renewable or nuclear, it’s pointless to get all electric appliances.