Climate scientists describe the horrifying images of gas spewing out to the surface of the Baltic Sea as a “reckless release” of greenhouse gases that, if deliberate, “could be considered an environmental crime .”
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Two undersea pipelines connecting Russia to Germany are at the center of an international conspiracy after a series of explosions caused what could be largest methane release in history – and many suspect it was the result of an attack.
An initial investigation into the crime scene last week into what caused the gas leak on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines further reinforced suspicions about “brutal vandalism. “
As investigations continue, many in Europe suspect the incident was the result of an attack, especially one that occurred in a bitter energy deadlock between the European Union and Russia.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied claims it destroyed the pipelines, calling such allegations “stupid” and “absurd” and claim that the US is the country that benefits the most from the gas leak.
The White House has denied any involvement in the suspected attack.
What happened?
On September 26, a series of explosions on two underwater pipelines connecting Russia to Germany sending gas to the surface of the Baltic Sea. The explosions caused four gas leaks at four locations – two in Denmark’s exclusive economic zone and two in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone.
Swedish and Danish authorities said the magnitudes of those explosions were measured at 2.3 and 2.1, respectively, and likely corresponded to an explosive mass of “several hundred kilograms”. .
Neither Nord Stream pipelines were transporting gas at the time of the explosion, although both contained pressurized methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Notably, signs of bubbling gas on the surface of the Baltic Sea can be seen from space.
A satellite image of the leaked Nord Stream in the Baltic Sea, taken on September 26, 2022.
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Climate scientists describe the shocking images of methane spewing from the explosion as a “reckless release” of greenhouse gases that, if intentional, “would be a crime” environmental evil.”
At the time, Denmark’s armed forces said the video showing the largest gas leak had generated surface disturbances about 1 km (0.62 mi) in diameter, while the leak The smallest leak causes a circle of about 200 meters.
Nord Stream gas pipelines have been at the center of tensions between Russia and Europe in recent months, with Moscow accused of weaponizing gas supplies seeking sanctions. in the context of this country’s fierce attack in Ukraine.
Who to blame?
Sweden’s national security agency said on Thursday that the explosions had caused “major damage” to the pipelines and “reinforced suspicions of overall sabotage.”
The Swedish Security Service said a number of arrests had been made without providing further details and that these would now be reviewed and analyzed.
“The preliminary investigation continues to show whether someone can be served on suspicion and subsequently prosecuted,” the Swedish Security Service said.
The Swedish prosecutor’s office said in a separate statement that the area was no longer cordoned off.
Environmental campaigners say the risk of vandalism or accidents makes fossil infrastructure a “positive ticking time bomb”.
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The European Union has warning that any deliberate attack on Europe’s energy infrastructure would require the “strongest response possible”, calling what they suspect to be a targeted attack “completely complete”. Totally unacceptable.”
Most Western governments have stopped shorting pointing directly at Russiawhile the Kremlin seeks to blame the West.
US President Joe Biden described the explosions on the Nord Stream pipeline as an “intentional act of sabotage” late last month, saying Washington was working with allies to figure out exactly what happened. happen.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said at a conference in Paris last month that it was “very clear” who was responsible for the gas leaks, Reuters reported. However, he did not say who it was.
Russia denies it is responsible for the gas leak. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at Thursday’s briefing that such claims are “absurd”. according to Tass news agency.
Zakharova highlighted the “huge investment” the Kremlin had received in the infrastructure project and lashed out at the West for preventing Moscow from participating in investigations.
Environmental impact
The unexplained Nord Stream gas leak raises serious questions about the environmental impact of the incident.
Climate scientists admit after the event it is difficult to quantify the exact size of the emissions and say the leaks are a “small bubble in the ocean” compared to the amount of methane- Giant melt is discharged around the world every day.
Methane is 84 times stronger than carbon and does not last long in the atmosphere before it breaks down. That makes it a important goal to combat climate change quickly while reducing other greenhouse gas emissions.
“It was a deliberate act and in my opinion it is most likely related to the fact that the Kremlin regularly promotes provocative actions,” Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera told reporters in September. before, according to Reuters.
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The two Nord Stream pipelines are estimated to contain enough gas to release 300,000 tons of methane – more than twice the amount emitted by 2015 Aliso Canyon leak in Californialargest known methane release in US history.
While that means it could be one of the largest single methane releases, this one pales in comparison to the roughly 70 million tonnes of methane. emitted by the oil and gas industry each year.
European Space Agency estimates that leaked emissions from the Nord Stream gas pipelines are roughly equivalent to a day and a half of global methane emissions.
However, environmental campaigners say the incident is yet another reminder of the risks associated with fossil fuel infrastructure.
– CNBC’s Emma Newburger contributed to this report.
