The principal constituent of natural gas is methane. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. It is primarily made up of methane, which is a molecule composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Methane is a colorless, odorless gas that is highly flammable and is the main component of natural gas, typically making up between 70-90% of its composition. Other gases found in natural gas include ethane, propane, and butane, but these are typically present in much smaller quantities. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its release into the atmosphere contributes to climate change.