Natural gas gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel. It produces 25–30% and 40–45% less carbon dioxide per joule delivered than oil and coal respectively, and potentially fewer pollutants than other hydrocarbon fuels. However, in absolute terms, it comprises a substantial percentage of human carbon emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow. According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, in 2004, natural gas produced about 5.3 billion tons a year of emissions, while coal and oil produced 10.6 and 10.2 billion tons respectively. According to an updated version of the Special Report on Emissions Scenario by 2030, natural gas
Natural-gas processing at ambient conditions (i.e., pentane and heavier) are called "natural-gas condensate" (sometimes also called "natural gasoline" or simply "condensate"). Natural gas is called "sweet gas" when relatively free of hydrogen sulfide; gas that does contain hydrogen sulfide is called "sour gas". Natural gas, or any other gas mixture, containing significant quantities of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide or similar acidic gases, is called "acid gas." Raw natural gas can also come from methane deposits in the pores of coal seams, and especially in a more concentrated state of adsorption onto the surface of the coal itself. Such gas is referred to