The MegaWHAT? Citizens' Collective supports energy
conservation and energy generation that protects the natural environment and
human health while promoting a greener economy.
The MegaWHAT? Citizens' Collective supports energy
conservation and energy generation that protects the natural environment and
human health while promoting a greener economy.
G e o r g i n a - E a s t G w i l l i m b u r y - A u r o r a - K i n g - B r a d f o r d
Natural gas is often described as the cleanest fossil fuel, producing less carbon dioxide per joule delivered than either coal or oil.[10] However, in absolute terms it does contribute substantially to global emissions, and this contribution is projected to grow. According to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (Working Group III Report, Chapter 4), in 2004 natural gas produced about 5,300 Mt/yr of CO2 emissions, while coal and oil produced 10,600 and 10,200 respectively (Figure 4.4); but by 2030, according to an updated version of the SRES B2 emissions scenario, natural gas would be the source of 11,000 Mt/yr, with coal and oil now 8,400 and 17,200 respectively.[18] (Total global emissions for 2004 were estimated at over 27,200 Mt.)
In addition, natural gas itself is a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere but is not of large concern due to the small amounts in which this occurs.
When drilled in the US, the CO2 pumped out with the natural gas is released directly into the atmosphere. This amount of CO2 is not counted with the release of the CO2 when natural gas is burned.