NCEE Seminar: Methane Spikes when US LNG Unloaded in Europe

Virtual Seminar
Washington, DC 20460
United States

Presenter:  Xinming Du, Columbia University

Methane accounts for 30% of the increase in global temperatures since pre-industrial times. We document a previously-unidentified source of methane emissions. Matching the exact date and location of 1,131 liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments 2019-2022 to daily methane concentration from TROPOMI, we observe a systematic increase in methane concentrations immediately after LNG exports arrive in port. LNG exports from the US release more than twice the methane of non-US exports. The arrival of tankers carrying US LNG increases methane concentrations in Europe by 5.6 ppb. Our results support growing concern that methane leakage from transporting LNG will accelerate global warming.

Contact: Ann Wolverton, 202-566-2278 (wolverton.ann@epa.gov)

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