One of the largest energy sources in the world, which was once considered a substitute for coal, may have an even more detrimental impact on the environment than the energy sources it aims to replace, and could contribute to accelerating global warming more rapidly than other established polluters.
New findings from Cornell University reveal that the impact of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on climate change is greater than that of burning coal.
The author of the analysis, Robert Howarth, emphasized the urgent necessity to swiftly transition away from using LNG as a fuel and to cease the construction of any new LNG infrastructure immediately.
The results have significant consequences for worldwide climate objectives and for the United States, which achieved the status of the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world earlier this year.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports were prohibited until 2016. Currently, over 60 members of Congress are appealing to the Department of Energy to reconsider the exportation of this fossil fuel.
In a message addressed to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and 64 other Democrats expressed their “worry” about the department’s approval of all LNG projects, stating that it is “not in line with the most recent climate science.”
The concerns were also expressed about CP2 LNG, a project located in Southwest Louisiana, which is set to become the largest export facility in the United States. This project would enable the U.S. to boost its exports of liquefied natural gas by up to 20%.
Roishetta Sibley Ozane, the founder of the Vessel Project of Louisiana, a group working to prevent gas expansion on the Gulf Coast, stated that LNG is inherently unnatural. Ozane resides near Cameron, Louisiana, where Venture Global plans to enhance its current LNG facility.
Ozane and the volunteers have amassed over 100,000 signatures to prevent the approval of CP2, and she intends to deliver the petition in person to the Department of Energy in Washington.
“I’m doing this as a mom and as a grandmother, and that’s who I’m fighting for.”, “If this project is built, its impacts will be felt throughout the world.” Ozane stressed.
Venture Global LNG argued that the CP2 expansion could counterbalance emissions from coal power plants and anticipated a worldwide reduction in emissions of 140 million tons annually. The company also stated its intention to capture a portion of the carbon emissions directly at the Louisiana site.
“Venture Global Spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes stated to NBC that American LNG is our most effective tool for rapidly replacing worldwide coal usage and addressing climate change.”
Howarth argues that instead of expanding LNG use, it is more effective to temporarily reopen closed coal facilities to meet short-term energy needs.
Howarth’s claim relies on the recurrent release of methane during the entire process of natural gas production, including drilling, fracking, as well as the liquefaction, transportation, and eventual combustion of the gas.
According to Howarth, even in highly advanced systems, methane is released or emitted directly at nearly every stage. Over a 20-year timeframe, methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its impact on heating the atmosphere, causing a much faster rise in temperature.
“The scale of it is off the charts.” “We have to get off fossil fuel and leave this stuff in the ground. That’s what the scientists keep telling us.” said Bill McKibben, journalist and founder of climate action group Third Act.
McKibben promotes the complete adoption of green energy, both through his work as a journalist and due to his faith. He suggested that we should prioritize harnessing the complete potential of solar energy rather than relying on burning fossil fuels.
“The good Lord was kind enough to hang a large ball of burning gas 93 million miles up in the sky. We now know how to make absolutely full use of it, so we should give up on energy from hell and substitute energy from heaven.”
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a standalone agency within the Department of Energy, is expected to reach a conclusive verdict on CP2 by December 19th.
The Department of Energy did not promptly reply to NBC’s request for comment.
“What occurs in Southwest Louisiana, on the Gulf Coast, has a direct effect on everyone,” notes Sibley Ozane, underscoring worries about environmental fairness during the swift growth of LNG. “We have to save this Earth. We only get one.”
