The political discussion around green hydrogen is rapidly evolving into a new 'holy grail' of energy transition. Governments, institutions, and investors are promoting it as a key solution for the decarbonization of industry and transport. However, the scientific reality surrounding green hydrogen is much more complex, and political leaders must address it honestly. The dominant political approach thus far has focused on reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the operational phase of projects, which, although communication-friendly, overlooks critical parameters such as water resource consumption, extraction pressures for rare metals, waste production, and — importantly — hydrogen leaks that have a proven climate footprint.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) clearly shows that large-scale green hydrogen projects can fail environmentally, even if they meet formal climate goals. Particularly in water-stressed areas, the assumption that 'water is plentiful' and can be used freely for green hydrogen production is misleading. This simplistic approach not only risks exacerbating existing environmental issues but also undermines the overall effectiveness of climate strategies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. Policymakers must, therefore, broaden their perspective and incorporate a comprehensive understanding of all environmental impacts related to green hydrogen.

In conclusion, while green hydrogen holds promise in the fight against climate change, it is imperative that the political narrative surrounding it becomes more realistic and grounded in scientific findings. Failing to address the complexities involved could lead to misguided policies that ultimately do more harm than good. The article advocates for a more inclusive dialogue that considers the interconnections between various environmental factors, urging a reconsideration of how green hydrogen is integrated into larger climate strategies.