From our collaborating partner Living on Earth, public radio’s environmental news magazine, an interview by Paloma Beltran with Robert Howarth, a professor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell University.
The natural gas used in U.S. gas ranges is increasingly being exported overseas as liquefied natural gas (LNG). To transport it internationally, the gas is compressed and loaded onto tankers.
LNG is a contentious energy source due to its high carbon footprint. Early 2024 saw the Biden administration temporarily pause new LNG export facility permits after pressure from climate activists, a decision now litigated by Republican-led states.
President-elect Donald Trump, however, supports expanding oil and gas drilling and new LNG export permits. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects North American LNG exports will more than double within four years.
A Cornell University study found U.S. LNG exports have a 33% higher carbon footprint than coal, raising climate concerns.
Robert Howarth, an ecology and environmental biology professor at Cornell, discussed the implications of LNG in an edited interview with Paloma Beltran.
PALOMA BELTRAN: What did your study reveal about LNG’s carbon footprint?
ROBERT HOWARTH: We found LNG exported from the U.S. has a higher greenhouse gas footprint than other fossil fuels. It’s worse than both domestic natural gas and coal in most countries.
BELTRAN: How is LNG produced and transported?
HOWARTH: It involves an industrialized process with significant carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Since LNG is methane—a potent greenhouse gas—small methane emissions during production and transport substantially increase its greenhouse gas footprint.
BELTRAN: Why is LNG’s carbon footprint so large?
HOWARTH: The idea that natural gas is a bridge fuel was debunked years ago. Despite lower CO2 emissions than coal, methane emissions make its overall greenhouse gas footprint comparable to coal.
BELTRAN: How do methane emissions affect U.S. decarbonization goals?
HOWARTH: Since 2016, the U.S. has become the largest LNG exporter, contributing to global methane increases, which exacerbate the climate crisis and contradict decarbonization goals.
BELTRAN: Where are U.S. LNG projects located, and what is their community impact?
HOWARTH: LNG exports mainly originate from the Gulf Coast, affecting local communities with pollution and emissions. Residents often oppose these projects.
BELTRAN: What health issues are linked to LNG projects?
HOWARTH: Living near LNG facilities is linked to reduced life expectancy and diseases due to pollutants like benzene and nitrogen oxides, which irritate health conditions.
BELTRAN: Is LNG essential for the energy transition?
HOWARTH: No, it’s not. We should transition to renewables like wind, solar, and hydro. These sources are becoming cheaper and more effective, making LNG an unsustainable option.
Europe’s shift from natural gas due to the Ukraine crisis shows a decarbonization model we should follow, not hinder with more LNG exports.
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Original Story at insideclimatenews.org