Fracking Methane concern

Methane concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere are linked to fracking says Green News.ie. Fracking is controversial with opposition in Britain and Ireland to the practice. Now Green News posits a link to methane:

“Increasing methane concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere over the past decade is likely linked to emissions from the fracking industry, a new US study has found.

“Cornell University research published this week in Biogeosciences points to an increase in methane – the second most impactful greenhouse gas on the climate – in the atmosphere that has a depleted carbon-13 (13C) chemical signature.

“Methane in shale gas is depleted in 13C compared to conventional natural gas. The research concludes that the commercialization of shale oil and gas through the likes of fracking has “dramatically increased global methane emissions”.

However the article points out that a curb on fracking would reduce methane swiftly:

“While methane is far more potent at trapping heat than CO2, the atmosphere responds far more quickly to changes in methane emissions. As such, Prof Howarth said, reducing methane emissions now can provide an “instant way to slow global warming”.

“If we can stop pouring methane into the atmosphere, it will dissipate,” he said. “It goes away pretty quickly, compared to carbon dioxide. It’s the low-hanging fruit to slow global warming.”

Full article here at Green News.ie:

https://greennews.ie/fracking-global-nethane-spike/

Image: Protester in the Belcoo area of Co Fermanagh where fracking has been proposed

Bernard Moffatt

Assistant General Secretary
Celtic League