Nature paper shows abundant gas would squeeze out renewable energy and likely increase overall carbon emissions
An unrestrained global fracking boom that unleashes plentiful and cheap gas will not tackle global warming by replacing coal and cutting carbon emissions, according to a comprehensive analysis that takes into account the impact on the rest of the energy supply.
Burning natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide released by coal, and shale gas proponents argue that gas can therefore be a bridge fuel, curbing emissions while very low carbon sources such as renewable and nuclear energy are ramped up.