Permian Basin flaring
Midland, Texas, USA · 31.80°, -102.50° · Fossil fuels
The largest oilfield in the United States leaks and flares so much methane that its gas plumes are mapped from orbit.
The Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico produces more oil than most countries. Where pipelines cannot carry the gas that comes up with it, operators burn it in flares visible from space, and leaking wells and compressors release methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2 in the short term. Satellite surveys have identified the basin as one of the world's largest methane hotspots.
In the game
Permian Basin flaring flares up as Toxic air. The fix is a gesture: tap when the ring hits the green zone. Done right, it becomes Air cleared 🌤️. Finish all three steps of its chain in one round for a combo, or take your time in Explore mode: a place you fully restore stays green on your map for good.
🧭 Fly there and restore it▶ Play a 60-second round