What is one advantage of using natural gas as an energy source?

Natural gas is considered a more environmentally friendly fossil fuel option because it emits less carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants compared to other fossil fuels like coal and oil when burned for energy. This lower emission profile is significant in the context of climate change and air quality. For instance, while burning coal releases a higher amount of CO2 along with sulfur dioxide (which contributes to acid rain) and particulate matter (which can cause health issues), natural gas combustion results in mainly CO2 along with water vapor, producing fewer harmful pollutants overall.

Additionally, using natural gas can help power generation transition towards cleaner energy sources, as it can serve as a bridge fuel that supports a shift towards more sustainable options, such as renewables. This aspect of natural gas usage aligns with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating environmental impact. Thus, its relatively cleaner burning properties make it an advantageous choice among fossil fuels.