Methane Leaks

User @ Scott McLaughlin

Reply to @NatGeo @NatGeoEnergy Is there a major loss of gas to the atmosphere? Is there a net gain in terms of carbon/pollution v. coal? 1:41 AM - 9 Jul 2015

Scott McLaughlin refers to a key issue for the natural gas industry, which often positions itself as a clean alternative to coal. Leaks of methane, the main component of natural gas and a potent heat-trapping greenhouse gas, threaten to undercut the benefits.

The industry has taken measures to contain gas that escapes along various points in the chain from well to end user—see "Oil and Gas Industry Faces Its Methane Problem"—but critics say voluntary measures aren't enough. The Obama administration proposed rules earlier this year aimed at reining in the industry's emissions, though it only targeted new facilities, not existing ones.

Reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector is one of five key measures the International Energy Agency recently listed for addressing climate change. Some researchers in California, however, recently found that even without leaks, the shale gas fracking boom won't help reduce carbon emissions by much, in part because it could hinder the growth of solar and wind energy.

The story is part of a special series that explores energy issues. For more, visit The Great Energy Challenge.

DISCUSSION “Environmental Protection”

Based on the texts 1, 2, 3, 4 “Environmental Protection”

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What are the problems of the environment today? Why do they occur (появляться)?

Do we have any environmental problems in our region? What are they?