Methane: The Forgotten Climate Change Driver That’s Poisoning Frontline Communities
Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is the forgotten driver of climate change. It has the ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere more than 80 times that of carbon dioxide during its first 20 years, making it the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. However, many people are unaware of its impact.
Natural gas, often touted as a "clean fuel" and a bridge to renewable energy, is a major source of methane emissions. While it does produce fewer carbon emissions than oil or coal when burned, the entire life cycle of natural gas must be considered. Processing and transporting natural gas leads to methane leaks, which contribute significantly to global warming. The oil and gas industry is the biggest industrial source of methane emissions worldwide. Methane concentration in the atmosphere has increased by at least 150 percent since the Industrial Revolution due to human activities.
Despite its harmful effects, the false narrative that natural gas is a clean fuel has persisted. Public opinion research reveals that the average American believes natural gas is environmentally friendly, leading to lax regulations and oversight. During the Trump administration, methane regulations established during the Obama administration were rolled back, allowing oil and gas companies to freely release this pollutant. This disregard for the climate crisis sends a negative message to the rest of the world.
Fortunately, some states have taken action against federal rollbacks. Several states and localities filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating the Clean Air Act and disregarding past policies on methane regulation.
Methane emissions not only contribute to climate change but also harm public health. Increased methane levels lead to ground-level ozone, or smog, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The emissions from natural gas development contain toxic chemicals that can have severe health impacts, particularly on communities of color and low-income areas that often lack proper infrastructure and protection from pollution. This environmental racism disproportionately affects these communities, putting them at a higher risk of premature death due to air pollution.
It is crucial to address methane emissions and their harmful consequences for both the climate and public health. Strong regulations and enforcement are needed to limit methane leaks from the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, environmental justice must be a priority to protect marginalized communities from the disproportionate impacts of pollution. By addressing methane emissions and working towards a sustainable energy transition, we can mitigate climate change and create healthier communities for all.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
