TL/DR –
So, it turns out that LNG (liquefied natural gas) was strutting around like climate salvation but is actually releasing more greenhouse gases than coal—who knew gas was such a diva in disguise? This research showed that by the time LNG makes its grand entrance overseas, it’s already left a bigger carbon footprint than any fossil fuel runway model before. It’s high time we realize that neither coal nor LNG deserves to be crowned the climate champion—let’s give that title to renewables instead.
Exported gas emits more planet-warming gases than coal, debunking the fossil-fuel industry’s claim of gas being a cleaner alternative, per a groundbreaking study challenging the US’s gas export boom to Europe and Asia.
Coal’s dirtiness is well-known, yet gas has been hyped as a “bridge” fuel, amid a surge in US LNG terminals. But recent findings reveal LNG’s emissions are 33% higher than coal’s over 20 years.
“LNG has a larger greenhouse gas footprint than any other fuel,” said Robert Howarth from Cornell University, author of the study. “Shipping this gas as a climate solution is flat-out wrong.”
The energy-intensive process of drilling, moving, and shipping gas means burning it in homes is just a third of total emissions, urging an end to LNG use.
The study argues against increasing LNG terminals on the US Gulf coast, pushing the US — top LNG exporter, to rethink its approach.
Contrary to prior beliefs, gas isn’t a low-emission savior for China or Europe, researchers assert, as methane leaks from drilling operations are significantly underestimated.
Howarth’s paper finds about 3.5% of delivered gas leaks unburned, substantially more than assumed. Methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas, albeit short-lived, threatens global climate goals.
About half of LNG emissions stem from long journeys through pipelines to coastal terminals after being drilled, often by fracking from US shale deposits.
The complex process of cooling gas to -162C and shipping it globally makes it more energy-consuming than coal, Howarth highlights.
Howarth’s research has stirred controversy, influencing the Biden administration to pause new LNG export permits, sparking industry backlash and congressional inquiry.
Despite criticism, Howarth describes the scrutiny as “more peer review than ever,” affirming no flaws in the research.
The US faces a major choice with the presidential election: continue the pause on new LNG projects or, as Trump pledges, ramp up exports.
Over 125 scientists urged the Biden administration to uphold the export pause, defending Howarth’s work as credible.
“Bob’s study highlights the viability of renewables over gas,” notes Drew Shindell, a Duke University climate scientist. “The focus should be on eliminating both gas and coal.”
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Original Story at www.theguardian.com
