Fracked gas power plants and ground ozone
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That number also doesn’t take into account all of the carbon emissions that happen across the full life cycle of natural gas, particularly during extraction, infrastructure construction, transport, and storage. And achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the second half of this century is essential to the long-term health of our planet. We’re still talking about a fossil fuel here, one that still contributes to climate change when burned. But let’s also engage in some real talk: 50 percent less CO2 also isn’t zero CO2, and CO2 isn’t the only harmful emission generated by natural gas development. To be sure, we should take seriously any source of energy that reduces our dependence on coal and oil, the primary sources of the carbon emissions that drive climate change. When people make this argument, they’re (mostly) referring to one thing in particular that is indeed true of natural gas: a new, efficient natural gas power plant emits around 50 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion when compared with a typical coal-based power plant, according to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Natural gas will not solve the climate crisis. That’s why we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths about natural gas and our climate. Many of the arguments in support of natural gas are based on outdated or incorrect information – sometimes going so far as to border on wishful thinking. But its CO2 emissions are only one piece of a far more nuanced puzzle. Proponents like to portray the fuel as a cuddlier cousin to coal and oil when it comes to climate because it generates less carbon dioxide when burned.
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Natural gas is a growing energy source – one many are putting a lot of faith in.