Experts have warned that the world's dash for natural gas could be harmful to climate goals, on day five of the UN COP27 climate summit.
Countries scrambling this year to source more natural gas to replace supplies from Russia are risking years of emissions that could thwart climate aims, the research collaboration Climate Action Tracker said on Thursday.
Efforts to stave off disastrous climate change collided this year with a global energy crisis of scarce gas and soaring fuel prices, as Russia sharply cut gas deliveries to Europe following its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
"We're witnessing a major push for expanded fossil gas LNG production and import capacity across the world – in Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Australia – which could cause global emissions to breach dangerous levels," said Bill Hare, CEO of research institute Climate Analytics, which together with NewClimate Institute forms Climate Action Tracker (CAT).
The planned projects could emit 10% of the world's remaining carbon budget - the cumulative amount that can be emitted if warming beyond 1.5C is to be avoided, CAT said. Among the projects are new gas drilling in Canada and liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity in Germany and Vietnam.
During the COP27 conference several global leaders have issued dire warnings for the future of the climate.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told countries gathered at the start of the COP27 on Monday that they face a stark choice: work together now to cut emissions or condemn future generations to climate catastrophe.
(Reuters)