European floating gas terminals raise climate concerns

European nations, in a desperate attempt to replace the natural gas they once bought from Russia, have embraced a short-term fix: A series of roughly 20 floating terminals that would receive liquefied natural gas from other countries and convert it into heating fuel. The first floating terminals are set to deliver natural gas by the year-end, which has raised alarms among scientists who fear the long-term consequences for the environment. They warn that these terminals would perpetuate Europe’s reliance on natural gas, which releases climate-warming methane and carbon dioxide when it’s produced, transported and burned. Some scientists say they worry that the floating terminals will end up becoming a long-term supplier of Europe’s vast energy needs that could last years. Such a trend could set back emission-reduction efforts that experts say haven’t moved fast enough to slow the damage being done to the global environment. Also read: BPCL to develop 2 new petrochemical facilities in Bina, Kochi Govt to reassess oil demand, refinery capacity projections