It's, by far, among the most important source of energy that helps
reduce pollution and maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Domestically abundant, natural gas is perceived as a secure source of
energy, besides offering a host of environmental benefits over other
energy sources such as fossil fuels.
As compared to counterparts by the Environmental Protection Agency
a little time back, natural gas has emerged the cleanest of them all.
Comprising primarily methane, natural gas releases mostly carbon dioxide
and water vapour posing, arguably, the least risk to the environment.
On the other hand, coal and oil that comprise complex molecules with
higher carbon ratio and higher nitrogen and sulfur contents tend to
release higher levels of harmful emissions. The emissions include a
higher ratio of carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur
dioxide (SO2).
Pertinently, pollutants emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels in the United States
have led to the development of several environmental problems.
Concurrently, natural gas, emitting fewer harmful chemicals into the atmosphere can greatly help to lesson some environmental issues.
The surge in greenhouse gases is expected to hike temperatures around
the world increasing in several disastrous, environmental effects. Global warming,
as the phenomenon is widely known is a reality that stares humans in
the face. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its
'Fourth Assessment Report' released in 2007, had predicted that during
the 21st century, global average temperatures are expected to rise by
between 2.0 and 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nations all over the
world are unified in their focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The
principle greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrogen oxides and engineered chemicals such as
cholorofluorocarbons. Levels of the gases have been increasing annually
owing to the widespread burning of fossil fuels and the surge in human
population.
It was two decades back that the Natural Gas industry
joined with Environment Protection Authority in launching the Natural
Gas STAR Program to help reduce methane emissions. The STAR program went
on to document dramatic reductions to methane emissions, since then.
For starters, EPA STAR data shows a reduction in methane emissions each
year for 16 years at a stretch.
The increased use of increased
use of natural gas in the place of other fossil fuels hugely lessened
the emission of greenhouse gases in the United States. Ground level
ozone known to create smog is formed by a chemical reaction of carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and heat from
sunlight.
Natural gas, on its part, hardly contributes to smog
formation as it exudes low levels of nitrogen oxides and almost
negligible particulate matter. Nitrogen Oxide is produced by electric
utilities, motor vehicles and industrial plants and a shift towards
natural gas in the electric generation sector, in use in gas vehicles,
or increased industrial natural gas use will surely help in lowering the
production of nitrogen oxide particularly in cities where the emissions
are the highest. The move is plugged to ensure clearer, healthier air around urban centers.
Acid rain, a huge environmental hazard in Eastern United States is
known to damage crops, forests, wildlife populations and trigger a host
of ailments in humans. Caused by a reaction of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides with water vapor and other chemicals in the presence of
sunlight, Acid Rain comprises a bouquet of acidic compounds. Coal-fired
power plants are the main source of acid rain-producing pollutants.
However in India, low pH levels have been reported from New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu even Andaman Islands setting up the stage for acid rains.
No comments:
Post a Comment