Environmental Sustainability and the Role of LNG in a Carbon Constrained World

摘要

The world is facing serious energy-related challenges that are further complicated by increasing concerns about global climate change. While energy is a key driver of economic progress throughout the world, the development, transport, and use of fossil fuels has contributed to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These duel concerns have been brought to the top of the agenda in business, politics, and public debate and people around the world are searching for ways to meet rising energy demand in a cleaner and more sustainable manner. This non-technical paper provides an overview of the key issues related to the environmental sustainability of the gas processing industry with a particular emphasis on the role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a carbon constrained world. Section 1 of the paper analyzes whether LNG is a contributor to a sustainable energy future in the context of greenhouse gas emissions and LNG supply chain emissions. Section 2 of the paper provides an overview of some of the various ways in which the LNG industry can enhance environmental sustainability including methane mitigation and technological efficiencies.