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☆ Mysterious exploding craters started turning up in Siberia 10 years ago. Scientists say more are likely.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Jessica Orwig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Tucked away in the frigid northern corner of Siberia are giant craters, some deep enough to fit a 15-story building. It's been fairly clear from the beginning that the craters are caused by some type of explosion deep underground. Researchers widely agreed that when these hydrates are damaged, they release methane gas, which is what's triggering the explosions in Siberia. AdvertisementMore exploding craters to comeSiberia will likely have more explosive craters in the coming years as global temperatures continue to warm. It's unclear exactly how much methane these explosions release, but in the grand scheme of climate change, they're a small matter.

Persons: It's, Ana Morgado, Morgado, Madeline Reinsel, Osomis Organizations: University of Cambridge, Business Locations: Siberia, Russia, Manhattan, Canada, It's

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Texas company has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the federal government and the state of New Mexico to address air pollution concerns in the largest oil and gas producing region in the United States. New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said he's concerned about the compliance rate for companies operating in New Mexico, describing it as terrible. The civil complaint targeting Apache comes nearly a year after federal and state officials announced a similar agreement with another producer in the Permian Basin over violations. In 2022, an investigation by The Associated Press showed 533 oil and gas facilities in the region were emitting excessive amounts of methane. In all, state officials said the recent consent decrees with energy companies cover about 15% of oil and gas production in New Mexico and about 9% of the wells.

Persons: —, Apache, James Kenney, he's, ”, Kenney, “, Apache's Organizations: Apache Corporation, Federal, Apache, Associated Press, Environmental, Gas Methane Locations: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M, Texas, New Mexico, United States

☆ Biden pauses approval of new LNG export projects in win for climate activists
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

President Joe Biden paused pending approvals of exports from new liquefied natural gas projects on Friday, a move cheered by climate activists that could delay decisions on new plants until after the Nov. 5 election. Biden said in a statement: "During this period, we will take a hard look at the impacts of LNG exports on energy costs, America's energy security, and our environment." "We are committed to strengthening energy security here in the U.S. and with our allies," Granholm said. The last review of LNG export projects was in 2018 when export capacity was 4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd). But the commission's panel of three regulators, which almost always approves LNG projects, could approve it as soon as February, which would then put its approval in the hands of the DOE.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jennifer Granholm, Biden, Granholm, Ben Jealous, Sempra, CP2 Organizations: US Department of Energy, Department of Energy, DOE, Energy, Companies, U.S, Sierra, Sempra Infrastructure, Commonwealth LNG, Venture, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Venture Global Locations: Washington ,, Europe, Asia, U.S, wean, Russia, Ukraine, Louisiana, Alaska, Calcasieu, United States, Germany

The first option in the draft is listed as "an orderly and just phase-out of fossil fuels". The second option calls for "accelerating efforts towards phasing out unabated fossil fuels". "I don't think we're going to leave Dubai without some clear language and some clear direction on shifting away from fossil fuels," he added. China's fossil fuel emissions rose after it lifted COVID-19 restrictions, while India's rise was a result of power demand growing faster than its renewable energy capacity, leaving fossil fuels to make up the shortfall. "Leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2C target alive," he said.

Persons: Stephane Mahe, Jean Paul Prates, Patrick Pouyanne, Jennifer Morgan, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, David Waskow, Exeter, Pierre Friedlingstein, Kate Abnett, William James, Valerie Volcovici, Elizabeth Piper, Katy Daigle Organizations: REUTERS, Petrobras, European, Oxford University, Saudi Arabia's Energy, Bloomberg, World Resources, University of Exeter, Reuters, Thomson Locations: France, Montoir, Bretagne, Saint, Nazaire, DUBAI, COP28, Brazil's, United States, European Union, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Dubai, India, China, Paris

"Since then, the United States has turned ambition into action." On the sidelines of the conference, the United States also unveiled new measures to curb emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas methane from oil and gas operations. That awkward coincidence underscores one of COP28's most contentious questions: Can the world's response to climate change involve continuing use of fossil fuels? Harris told the conference that the United States supports phasing out of "unabated coal" use, but she did not mention other fossil fuels. "We're in a context in which we need to reduce production of fossil fuels and ... we need to be on a path of lower consumption.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Harris, haven't, aren't, Catherine Abreu, John Podesta, Richard Valdmanis, Valerie Volcovici, Sarah McFarlane, Simon Jessop, Katy Daigle, Kevin Liffey, Diane Craft Organizations: Climate Fund, OPEC, United, UAE, Saturday, Exxon Mobil, Saudi Arabia's Aramco, Oil, Climate Initiative, Reuters, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, United States, Dubai, COP26, America, China, Texas, New Mexico, United Arab Emirates, U.S, Saudi, Ukraine

Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, speaks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsHOUSTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) Chief Executive Darren Woods is making plans to attend the COP28 climate summit in Dubai next week, two people familiar with the matter said, in what would mark a first for an Exxon CEO, if confirmed. Woods is expected to advocate that reducing carbon emissions should be a priority in addressing climate change, rather than reducing oil production. "We commit to solving the world’s energy and emissions challenges simultaneously," Darren Woods said at the APEC CEO summit earlier this month. Exxon says technology advancements allowed it to join the initiative and that the decision guards no relation with Pioneer's acquisition.

Persons: Darren Woods, Carlos Barria, Woods, Sultan al, Jaber, Exxon's, Matt Kolesar, Sabrina Valle, Sarah McFarlane, Josie Kao, Aurora Ellis Organizations: ExxonMobil, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, Rights, Exxon Mobil Corp, Exxon, APEC, Abu, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, United, Natural Resources, Gas Methane Partnership, Reuters, United Nations Environment Programme, Shell, BP, Conoco, Chevron, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, United Nations, OGMP, Occidental

The United States, European Union and many climate-vulnerable countries are insisting on a final COP28 deal that commits countries to phase out fossil fuels. While the International Energy Agency says these emissions-abatement technologies are crucial for meeting global climate goals, they are also expensive and not currently used on a large scale. But the EU and some climate-vulnerable countries insist on pairing this pledge to boost renewables with phasing out fossil fuels, setting up a clash. FINANCING FOR THE COSTS OF CLIMATE CHANGETackling climate change and its consequences will take an astonishing amount of investment - far more than the world has budgeted so far. At COP28, countries will be tasked with setting up a "loss and damage" fund to help with this, which developing nations say should unlock at least $100 billion by 2030.

Persons: Sultan al, Jaber, Kate Abnett, Katy Daigle, Josie Kao Organizations: European, COP28, International Energy Agency, European Union, EU, U.S, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Dubai, Paris, COP26, United States, European Union, Russia, UAE, EU, China, COP28

It's part of a statewide program requiring larger businesses to donate edible food and, if they can, recycle remaining food scraps. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency announced a goal of 50% food waste reduction by 2030. California and Vermont have launched programs converting residents’ food waste into compost or energy, while Connecticut requires businesses, including larger food wholesalers and supermarkets, to recycle food waste. This is the problem.”Despite New York's success, advocates for food waste worry not enough is being done to meet the 2030 goal. “The best solution for food waste is to not have it in the first place,” Bender said.

Persons: —, Sean Rafferty, wasn't, Rafferty, ”, Emily Broad Leib, Broad Leib, we’re, Sally Rowland, Danielle Vasquez, Vasquez, Betsy Quiroa, Quiroa, Kathryn Bender, ” Bender, let's, ” ___ Casey Organizations: Harvard Food Law, Policy Clinic, The U.S, Harvard University, Food Law, U.S . Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, District of Columbia, New York, New, New York State, Westchester, Carver, Port, Social Security, University of Delaware Locations: New York, ” New York, United States, U.S, California, Vermont, Connecticut, Farmers, Maryland, New, Rhode, Massachusetts, Westchester County, Port Chester's, Westchester, ., Boston

☆ 63 cruise ships owned by Carnival Corporation released more toxic sulfur gasses than all the cars in Europe, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Hannah Towey | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

63 cruise ships owned by Carnival Corp. emitted more sulfur oxides than all the cars in Europe in 2022. The cruise industry is investing in alternative energy sources such as LNG fuel and shore power. Though the IMO rule slashes the sulfur emissions of individual ships, it has done nothing to limit the increasing number of cruise ships in recent years. Compared to 2019, cruise ships are also spending more time at European ports and consuming more fuel, per the report. As a result, cruise ships overall emitted 9% more sulfur oxides in 2022 than in 2017, according to Transport & Environment.

Persons: MIGUEL MEDINA, Robert Rohde, — Dr, We're Organizations: Carnival Corp, European Federation for Transport, Environment, Carnival Corporation, International Maritime Organization, Transport & Environment, Cruise, Carnival Locations: Europe, Venice, AFP, Berkeley, Paris, New, York

Japan's insistence on continuing to rely on gas may delay reaching global climate change goals, especially as its energy companies reap large profits from their investments in the sector, climate activists say. "But I think Japanese companies will generally hesitate to be involved in gas projects in the future, especially those with long lead times. Japan's support for gas clashes with findings that new investments in gas, which is mainly composed of the greenhouse gas methane and produces CO2 emissions when burned for energy, would undermine climate goals. But, gas investments have been lucrative for Japan's energy companies resulting in record profits. But, Japan's stated intention to lower its carbon emissions may mean these gas investments carry some risk.

The effort comes as the United States seeks to sustain its liquefied natural gas, or LNG, exports to Europe to displace Russian fuel, while also promoting efforts to fight global warming. A credible market for certified natural gas could help it tackle both goals at once. Crabtree said he hosted a workshop in October with gas industry representatives, including a new industry group called the Differentiated Gas Coordinating Council (DGCC), to discuss standards for certified gas. While gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, its main component is the powerful greenhouse gas methane, which can leak into the atmosphere from drilling, processing, shipping and distribution. Palti-Guzman said certified gas could also be key to securing a longterm role for U.S. LNG in Europe where carbon prices last month hit a record 100 euros per tonne.

☆ US 2022 power plant emissions fell on switch from coal to gas -EPA
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Timothy Gardner | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies Us Power Generating Company, Llc FollowWASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - U.S. power plant emissions of pollutants that harm human health and warm the planet fell last year as the industry continued a switch from coal to natural gas, the Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday. The EPA said emissions of smog components nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide last year dropped 4% and 10%, respectively, compared with 2021. "Communities that live near power plants deserve the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards as everyone else,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Emissions from power plants of the main greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, fell 1% compared with 2021, the EPA said. The EPA data did not mention emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas methane from the natural gas industry, an emissions source that environmentalists say is important to decrease as the United States is on track to become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, or LNG.

Methane is the main component of natural gas, so captured emissions can be sold as fuel. The energy sector accounts for about 40% of all methane emissions from human activity, second to agriculture. Dozens of oil companies have also voluntarily committed to reduce emissions through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, and the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative. Altogether, the coal industry was responsible for about 40 million tonnes of methane emissions in 2022. Coal-related methane emissions in China are equivalent to total CO2 emissions from the whole of sub-Saharan Africa," Gould said.

☆ Rain could soon overtake snow in parts of the Arctic, top scientists warn
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Broken up sea ice is seen from the window of a NASA research flight above the east coast of Greenland. That's causing Arctic sea ice to diminish, the tundra to turn green with vegetation, and sea birds to starve to death in droves. Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesFor the first time this year, NOAA has determined that Arctic precipitation — either rain or snow — is increasing across all seasons. But in places like southwest Alaska, that means rain falling on top of snow, then freezing. Bhatt is part of a group of researchers assessing whether the Arctic tundra in southwest Alaska should be reclassified as sub-Arctic tundra.

The declaration would build on an agreement spearheaded by the United States and EU last year to slash methane emissions 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels. The draft said signatories could also bolster monitoring and reporting of methane emissions - forcing companies to face up to the scale of their problem. The 27-country EU is the world's biggest buyer of gas, while the United States is the world's biggest oil and gas producer. Agriculture is the top source of methane emissions worldwide, but experts say the energy sector can cut emissions faster - and often at low cost. So far, the Global Methane Pledge does not include China, the world's biggest methane emitter.

☆ U.S. must make much deeper emissions cuts to meet climate goals -government report
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 7 (Reuters) - The United States needs to make far faster and deeper cuts to greenhouse gas emissions over the next three decades to meet international goals to rein in the worst effects of climate change, according to a government report issued on Monday. The United States is the world's second biggest emitter after China. The United States reduced emissions by 12% between 2007 and 2019, the report said, thanks to the adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar and improved efficiency. The report laid out the harms climate change is already exacting in every part of the country in the form of drought, wildfires, heatwaves and other extreme events. It also cast climate change as a risk to "the things Americans most value" such as safe homes, healthy families, reliable public services and a sustainable economy.

☆ UN warns 'time is running out' as greenhouse gases surge
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Emma Farge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Hikes in the atmospheric concentration of all three greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide - outstripped the average increase over the past decade, it showed, meaning they are now all at new record levels. Concentrations of the main greenhouse gas carbon dioxide rose by 2.5 parts per million to 415.7 - a level not seen since at least 3 million years ago when the Earth was much warmer. The jump in the potent, heat-trapping gas methane was the highest since records began in 1983, the report said. Greenhouse gases are responsible for warming the planet and triggering extreme weather events like heatwaves and intense rainfall. The WMO said scientists are investigating the reason for the exceptional hike in methane levels of 18 parts per billion to 1,908 last year following a similar increase in 2020.

☆ Juicy Marbles: Can a meat-free filet mignon convert carnivores?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Tom Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

With its plant-based prime cut steak, Juicy Marbles thinks it’s mastered the art. The company has raised $4.6 million and its filet mignon was launched online in Europe and the United States earlier this year. It plans to begin selling in shops in the European Union, United States and United Kingdom in 2023. A cross section of a cooked Juicy Marbles filet mignon. Just 7% of the world’s soy — the main ingredient of Juicy Marbles’ product — is directly consumed by humans.

"The destruction that occurred on the same day simultaneously on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system is unprecedented," said network operator Nord Stream AG. Gazprom (GAZP.MM), the Kremlin-controlled company with a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, declined to comment. Danish Defence Command/Handout via REUTERS Read MoreRussia slashed gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 1 before suspending flows altogether in August, blaming Western sanctions for causing technical difficulties. The new Nord Stream 2 pipeline had yet to enter commercial operations. European gas prices rose on the news of the leaks, with the benchmark October Dutch price up almost 10% on Tuesday.

☆ Mystery leaks hit Russian undersea gas lines, raising European suspicions
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

European countries on Tuesday raced to investigate unexplained leaks in two Russian gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea near Sweden and Denmark, infrastructure at the heart of an energy crisis since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The destruction that occurred on the same day simultaneously on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system is unprecedented,” said network operator Nord Stream AG. Gazprom, the Kremlin-controlled company with a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, declined comment. Russia slashed gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 1 before suspending flows altogether in August, blaming Western sanctions for causing technical difficulties. The new Nord Stream 2 pipeline had yet to enter commercial operations.

Gas leak at Nord Stream 2 as seen from the Danish F-16 interceptor on Bornholm, Denmark September 27, 2022. The operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline reported a sudden drop in pressure overnight on Monday, with a spokesperson suggesting there could have been a leak. A few hours later, Nord Stream AG, operator of another undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, said it was looking into a drop in pressure in Nord Stream 1. read moreSweden's Maritime Authority said on Tuesday it had warned of two leaks on Nord Stream 1 in Swedish and Danish waters. Analysts and experts say such leaks are very rare and Nord Stream AG has called leaks on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines "unprecedented". Gas leaking from the damaged Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea will continue for several days and perhaps even a week, the Danish Energy Authority said.

☆ Nord Stream: Mystery leaks hit Russian gas pipelines to Europe
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-27 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Sweden’s Maritime Authority issued a warning about two leaks in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, shortly after a leak on the nearby Nord Stream 2 pipeline was discovered that had prompted Denmark to restrict shipping in a five nautical mile radius. “The destruction that occurred on the same day simultaneously on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines of the Nord Stream system is unprecedented,” said network operator Nord Stream AG. Gazprom, the Kremlin-controlled company with a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, declined comment. Russia slashed gas supplies to Europe via Nord Stream 1 before suspending flows altogether in August, blaming Western sanctions for causing technical difficulties. The new Nord Stream 2 pipeline had yet to enter commercial operations.

REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk//File PhotoSummary Registry by NGOs Carbon Tracker, Global Energy MonitorFirst global registry of world's fossil fuel assetsShows burning all known reserves would blow CO2 targetsLONDON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Carbon Tracker and Global Energy Monitor said on Monday they had launched the first global registry of oil and gas reserves, production and emissions with data for more than 50,000 fields. It could also help activists in their efforts to pressure producers or governments to cut fossil fuel output. The Global Registry of Fossil Fuels contains data for fields in 89 countries, covering 75% of global production the non-governmental organisations which developed it said. While there is little doubt that much of the world's oil and gas reserves will have to stay underground to avoid a dramatic worsening of the climate, the registry has put a number on this. It is not straightforward to calculate the life-cycle emissions of a unit of oil, gas or coal, often relying on calculations rather than measurements which can differ widely.

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