<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Hydrogen (H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>) is expected to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, hydrogen losses to the atmosphere impact atmospheric chemistry, including positive feedback on methane (CH<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>), the second most important greenhouse gas. Here we investigate through a minimalist model the response of atmospheric methane to fossil fuel displacement by hydrogen. We find that CH<jats:sub>4</jats:sub>concentration may increase or decrease depending on the amount of hydrogen lost to the atmosphere and the methane emissions associated with hydrogen production. Green H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>can mitigate atmospheric methane if hydrogen losses throughout the value chain are below 9 ± 3%. Blue H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>can reduce methane emissions only if methane losses are below 1%. We address and discuss the main uncertainties in our results and the implications for the decarbonization of the energy sector.</jats:p>
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