World Resources Institute Paper Outlines Prospects for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Imprint of Natural Gas

摘要

An April 2013 World Resources Institute (WRI) paper entitled Clearing the Air: Reducing Upstream Greenhouse Gas Emissions from U.S. Natural Gas Systems summarizes the state of knowledge primarily about methane emissions (as opposed to CO2 emissions) from U.S. natural gas systems, highlighting emissions reduction potential and discussing the role of current and future policies in helping to reduce these emissions. Fortunately, according to the study, most strategies for reducing venting and leaks from U.S. gas systems are cost-effective, with payback periods of three years or less. The case for policy action is particularly strong considering that recent research shows that climate change is happening faster than expected. At the same time, the projected expansion in domestic oil and natural gas production increases the risk of higher emissions if proper protections are not in place.