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Submission + - LNG on Par with Coal in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

sonlas writes: The prevailing notion that natural gas is a cleaner alternative to coal and oil as a fossil fuel is facing increasing scrutiny. While it is true that natural gas emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of heat generated when burned, the picture becomes more complex when considering other factors that contribute to its overall environmental impact. One significant concern with natural gas is the release of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, during its extraction, production, transportation, and processing. Methane is approximately 30 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2 over a 100-year period. Methane leaks can occur at various stages of the gas supply chain, from wellhead emissions during drilling and extraction to leakage during transportation and distribution. Additionally, intentional venting or flaring of methane also contributes to the problem.

Recent research, highlighted in an article published in Environmental Research Letters, challenges the assumption that natural gas is a cleaner energy source compared to coal or oil. The study takes into account the full lifecycle emissions of natural gas, including methane leakage rates, and arrives at a different conclusion. With a methane leakage rate of 7.5% and other relevant factors considered, the greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas can be on par with or even exceed those of coal. Even a lower methane leakage rate of 2% can diminish the environmental advantage of natural gas significantly.

A key aspect of the study is its focus on real-world methane leakage rates. Aerial measurements conducted in various oil and gas production regions in the United States revealed substantial methane leak rates ranging from 0.65% to a staggering 66.2%. Similar leak rates have been identified in other parts of the world. These findings raise serious concerns about the climate impact of natural gas and cast doubt on its role as a so-called "transition energy" in the quest for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

This challenges the idea of natural gas, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a suitable transition energy source and raises doubts about its environmental benefits. This complexity complicates the search for sustainable energy solutions, especially in Europe where gas was included in the green taxonomy following push from Germany.

Comment Re: Why Medicare is broke. (Score 1, Interesting) 29

Medicare is broke because in the U.S.A. we vote for personal freedom over giving up a little freedom for the benefit of the community and anyone that doesn't let me do whatever I want is called a communist by the right or a facist by the left. So eventhough healthcare is super expensive do whatever you want and live however you want then the government will pay (print money) for all your medical bills when you're 65.

Comment Re: Why does it have to be _in_ the car radio? (Score 1) 260

If these are mandated to be in a glovebox, every car is a target.

A target for who? The thieves on their mobility scooters after their $4.99 senior discount breakfast at Denny's? I believe AM radio is important for emergency communications. Forcing cars to support AM radio is no better than forcing iPhones to support AM radio or forcing homes to come with an AM radio. There are a lot of options for AM radio that don't require a $30,000 carrying case.

Comment Re: Why is this a problem? (Score 1) 296

If I am paying even $1 that went into the development and manufacturing of the software locked powerful engine vs if they went with a cheaper non-software locked less powerful engine then I think this is sucks for consumers. If Mercedes is truly saving money by giving everyone the locked engine and passing on that saving to consumers then I am not opposed to this behavior. Which scenario is more likely though?

Comment Re: I’m fine with this but (Score 1) 115

If there's an uptick in injuries and deaths from equipment, then

you'll start seeing ads to repeal the law. "(cue sad music) Bob is a 5th generation farmer. It's in his DNA. After Bob lost his arm when his tractor unexplicably started moving on it's own, he could no longer support his family and they lost the family farm. Vote YES to repeal this dangerous law that's killing and hurting farmers! Say YES for farmers safety and security!"...paid for by Friends of Farmers PAC not affiliated with any political party or candidate.

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