Myth or Fact: Natural gas is clean
MYTH. Natural gas is touted as a cleaner alternative to coal. While it emits less toxic particles than coal, natural gas emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. And natural gas extraction consumes a lot of energy and can lead to hazardous leaks.
The cost of the largest natural gas leak in Porter Ranch in 2015 led to the release of 109,000 metric tons of methane gas and the evacuation of 8000 households. It cost the local gas company $1 billion.
Burning natural gas produces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. Long-term exposure can affect your health. These chemicals can trigger respiratory problems, depression, and decrease the quality of your health.
Want to know more? There is a video explainer down below. Here are also few articles to get you started:
1. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.php?page=natural_gas_environment
2. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/aliso-canyon-natural-gas-leak
https://www.edf.org/climate/methane-progress-california
3. https://www.scpr.org/news/2018/05/07/82879/the-cost-of-the-porter-ranch-gas-leak-is-closing-i/
4. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa7030/meta
6. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/01/120117-shale-gas-boom-impact-on-renewables/
7. https://psmag.com/environment/natural-gas-storage-wells-in-america-are-at-risk-for-a-major-leak
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/gas-leak-symptoms
10. https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/natural-gas
11. https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-energy/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/environmental-impacts-of-natural-gas
Myth or Fact: Is Natural Gas Clean?
Natural gas is touted as a cleaner alternative to coal. While it emits less toxic particles than coal, natural gas emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. And natural gas extraction consumes a lot of energy and can lead to hazardous leaks.