Gas hydrates and more specifically methane hydrates are an untapped source of energy that should be exploited in the coming years. It is widely known humans obtain too much energy from burning fossil fuels. However, this has caused the warming of our planet to accelerate with catastrophic consequences. People have known about the energy capabilities of gas hydrates for some time, but it is not until recently that researchers have begun the process of testing whether it is feasible. Some will argue that it is not economically wise and it could have unintended harmful affects on the environment. However, I believe the benefits outweigh the costs and further resources and research should intensify. Gas hydrates are molecules of gas that are trapped in crystalline cells and are formed from water and gas when under certain pressure and temperature conditions. (Joseph) This
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Since methane is a fossil fuel, it contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect. Thus, people argue methane hydrates should not be used for energy since it is accelerating the warming of the planet. With current technology, it is almost impossible for methane to not escape when extracting it. Also, submarine landslides can occur as a result of destabilizing the seabed. (BBC) While this is true, methane hydrates are significantly better for the environment than oil, coal, and natural gas. Until renewable energy such as solar and wind can be mass produced at the market level we should invest in the exploitation of gas hydrates. As was previously stated, gas hydrates are plentiful and thus should be taken advantage of. For example, “there is more energy in methane hydrates than in all the world's oil, coal and gas put together” (BBC). Our current forms of non-renewable energy are rapidly depleting and the cost is rising as it is getting more difficult and dangerous to
Since methane is a fossil fuel, it contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect. Thus, people argue methane hydrates should not be used for energy since it is accelerating the warming of the planet. With current technology, it is almost impossible for methane to not escape when extracting it. Also, submarine landslides can occur as a result of destabilizing the seabed. (BBC) While this is true, methane hydrates are significantly better for the environment than oil, coal, and natural gas. Until renewable energy such as solar and wind can be mass produced at the market level we should invest in the exploitation of gas hydrates. As was previously stated, gas hydrates are plentiful and thus should be taken advantage of. For example, “there is more energy in methane hydrates than in all the world's oil, coal and gas put together” (BBC). Our current forms of non-renewable energy are rapidly depleting and the cost is rising as it is getting more difficult and dangerous to