this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2024
82 points (98.8% liked)

science

15028 readers
305 users here now

A community to post scientific articles, news, and civil discussion.

rule #1: be kind

<--- rules currently under construction, see current pinned post.

2024-11-11

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Summary

In the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, researchers found that small leaks collectively account for 72% of methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas fields, challenging the focus on “super emitters.”

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, traps 80 times more heat than CO2 and contributes significantly to climate change.

Efforts to curb emissions include advanced satellite monitoring like MethaneSAT, new EPA rules requiring leak detection, and phasing out flaring.

With over 130,000 well sites, addressing both small and large emitters is essential for meaningful climate impact.

top 3 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] [email protected] 8 points 6 days ago
[–] TechnologyChef 5 points 6 days ago

Here is JerryRigEverything who explains a lot of it and how he and others closed one. Hopefully more people can get involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8QWxJhna8Y

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago

Phasing out flaring? I thought flaring was the best thing you can do short of not harvesting in the first place.