The Production Process
Natural gas primarily consists of methane, a colorless, odorless gas that occurs abundantly in nature. There are two extraction methods:
- Convention drilling- tapping underground reservoirs where gas has accumulated naturally.
- Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)- injecting water, sand, and chemicals deep underground to fracture rock formations and release tapped gas.
Once extracted, natural gas is transported through vast networks of pipelines. It burns in power plants to generate electricity and heat homes and businesses.
Source: Frack Nation (Les Stone)
The Hidden Costs of Natural Gas
Natural gas burns more cleanly than coal, about 50% less carbon dioxide emissions. However, this narrow comparison hides broader problems:
- Climate Change- methane leaks from drilling sites and pipelines cancel out the climate advantage natural gas has over coal.
- Air Pollution- natural gas combustion releases nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, contributing to smog and respiratory disease.
- Environmental Degradation- the extraction and distribution of natural gas can disturb vegetation, soil, and water sources leading to habitat disruption and potential contamination.
Communities on the Frontline
Just like oil and coal, natural gas extraction and refining disproportionately affect nearby communities. This impact is explored in the documentary Gasland, where producer Josh Fox investigates citizens’ claims of water and air contamination, health issues, and constant efforts to hold industries responsible. Gasland also depicts Colorado residents, whose lands were used by a natural gas company, lighting their water taps on fire when exposed to an open flame.
Source: Blue and Green Tomorrow
The Path Ahead
Natural gas might look like a cleaner option on the surface, but the reality is that it locks us into more decades of fossil fuel use when we should be moving more rapidly towards renewable energy. If we are serious about tackling climate change, protecting health, and building communities that are not disregarded, we must treat natural gas not as a solution, but as part of the fossil fuel family.
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