What Are the Environmental Issues Associated with Natural Gas?
Discover the key environmental problems linked to natural gas and its impact on climate change.
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The main problem with natural gas is its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite being cleaner than coal and oil, burning natural gas releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming and climate change. Additionally, leaks during extraction and transportation can exacerbate this issue.
FAQs & Answers
- How does natural gas compare to coal and oil? Natural gas produces fewer emissions than coal and oil when burned; however, it still contributes significantly to greenhouse gases, particularly through methane leaks.
- What are the alternatives to natural gas? Alternatives to natural gas include renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, which have a much lower carbon footprint.
- What are the effects of methane on global warming? Methane is over 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period, making it a critical target for climate action.