Global fossil fuel emissions may be underestimated by more than 50%

One study found that the amount of fossil fuel ethane and propane in the global atmosphere is underestimated by more than
50%.

Global fossil fuel emissions may be underestimated by more than 50%

Especially in large cities, these hydrocarbons are
extremely harmful.
Harmful gases form ozone
through chemical reactions with vehicle emissions.
Ozone, a greenhouse gas that makes up smog, is directly linked
to rising mortality.

Ethane and propane leaks into the air during natural gas extraction and distribution, including underground drilling and fracturing of rock to extract shale gas
.

New research involving scientists from the University of York in the United Kingdom shows that global fossil fuel emissions of these hydrocarbons are underestimated and are 2-3 times
higher than previously predicted.

The researchers called for further investigation of fossil fuel methane emissions
.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is emitted
along with ethane and propane from natural gas sources.

"We know that the main source of ethane and propane in the atmosphere is leaks or unintentional emissions
from fossil fuel extraction and distribution.
" Professor Lucy Carpenter of the University of York said: "If ethane and propane are being released faster than we think, then there is a need to carefully reassess how much of the recent increase in atmospheric methane may come from oil and gas development
.
”

Carpenter added: "For example, the current fracking policy proposition is based in part on the belief that it is less
polluting than coal.
”

The study used data
collected from 20 observatories around the world.
Researchers at the University of York provided high-resolution data
from the Cape Verde monitoring station.
The monitoring station is a vital site in the Atlantic Ocean that captures air
from the Sahara, North America, the Middle East and North Africa.

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