Greenwashing Alert The Pollution Behind Natural Gas
Many people consider natural gas to be a safer and cleaner substitute for other fossil fuels like coal or oil in the ongoing fight against climate change. It is likely that you have heard assertions that natural gas is “clean” or “good to the environment.” But is it actually as green as they say? In actuality, most people are unaware of how much pollution natural gas actually causes. Let us investigate the possibility that this purportedly “clean” energy source is not as safe as it seems.
What Is Natural Gas?
Similar to coal and oil, natural gas is a fossil fuel. It is primarily composed of the strong greenhouse gas methane. It has been commended for emitting less carbon dioxide when burned than other fossil fuels over the years. It has been dubbed a “cleaner” energy source as a result, and many nations are depending more on it to lower their carbon footprints.
But even if burning natural gas may result in less carbon dioxide (CO2) being released into the atmosphere, the whole environmental effect is far more intricate than that.
The Greenwashing of Natural Gas:
The phrase “greenwashing” refers to the practice of businesses or sectors making exaggerated claims about how ecologically beneficial their products are. Many energy firms are guilty of greenwashing when it comes to natural gas, marketing it as a cleaner choice without providing all the details.
Although natural gas emits less CO2 than coal, it is still not considered clean. In actuality, there is a risk to the environment from the extraction, storage, and transportation of natural gas.
The Methane Problem:
Methane is the biggest threat to natural gas. Although most of the focus in climate change discussions is on carbon dioxide, methane has far worse environmental effects. Methane traps heat in the atmosphere roughly 25 times better than CO2.
Unfortunately, the majority of natural gas is methane. Methane seeps into the atmosphere throughout the extraction and transportation process. Due to these leaks, which are sometimes called “fugitive emissions,” natural gas is one of the main causes of global warming.
Indeed, some research indicates that natural gas’s purported advantages as a cleaner energy source can be negated by the methane emissions it produces. Climate change can be considerably exacerbated by even a tiny amount of methane leakage.
Fracking and Environmental Damage:
Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a widespread procedure used in the extraction of natural gas. Fracking is a technique that involves pumping a solution of chemicals, sand, and water underground to release gas from deep underground.
Natural gas output has increased as a result of fracking, however there are additional environmental hazards associated with this practice.
Contamination of water: Fracking chemicals have the potential to seep into groundwater and contaminate supplies of potable water.
Earthquakes: In areas where fracking is common, there has been a noticeable increase in small earthquakes. This happens because fracking disrupts underground rock formations.
Air pollution: Particulates released into the atmosphere by the equipment and procedures used in hydraulic fracturing pose a threat to human health and the environment.
The Illusion of Low Emissions:
The notion that gas plants emit fewer emissions than coal plants is frequently promoted by the natural gas sector. Although it would appear to be the case, it is important to consider natural gas throughout its whole lifecycle, from extraction to final application.
The concept of natural gas as a “clean” energy source swiftly crumbles when we take into account the pollution from carrying and storing it, the harm caused by fracking, and methane leakage.
The Alternatives: Cleaner and Greener Energy:
The notion that gas plants emit fewer emissions than coal plants is frequently promoted by the natural gas sector. Although it would appear to be the case, it is important to consider natural gas throughout its whole lifecycle, from extraction to final application.
The concept of natural gas as a “clean” energy source swiftly crumbles when we take into account the pollution from carrying and storing it, the harm caused by fracking, and methane leakage.
Solar power: Using the sun’s energy, solar power generates no emissions when in operation.
Wind power: Another renewable resource that does not cause pollution is wind energy, which is captured by wind turbines.
Hydropower: Using water to generate electricity is a time-tested, clean energy method.
Geothermal energy: Using the heat stored beneath the surface of the earth, geothermal power offers a steady, low-emission energy source.
These solutions are much more effective in combating climate change since they do not entail hazardous extraction procedures or large-scale methane releases.
Time to See Through the Greenwashing
At first glance, natural gas may appear to be a more environmentally friendly option, but with closer inspection of the entire process—from fracking to methane leaks—it becomes evident that this is not the case. Consider the hidden pollution that occurs behind the scenes the next time you hear someone refer to natural gas as a “clean” energy source.
It is time to advocate for true clean energy sources that do not rely on deceptive marketing strategies, including solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. Let us make decisions that actually safeguard the environment and quit succumbing to the delusion.