Baptiste Morin, edited by Gauthier Delomez 7:37 p.m., September 28, 2022
Nord Stream gas pipelines deep in the Baltic Sea are hit by huge leaks, after what appears to be sabotage.
The ecological consequences are numerous, especially since it is 90% methane.
Experts compare these leaks to the annual emissions of 1.4 million vehicles.
An ecological disaster in the Baltic Sea.
Millions of cubic meters of methane continue to escape from the two Nord Stream gas pipelines, affected by impressive leaks.
The consequences are numerous, first for marine ecosystems.
The gas escapes from the deep pipes and it could suffocate some animals, especially those that would not have time to flee the areas.
The risk is mainly linked to the gases released into the atmosphere.
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- Nord Stream: what we know about the leaks affecting the two gas pipelines
The two gas pipelines already half emptied, according to Denmark
The leaks will last at least a week, according to the Danish authorities.
According to experts, at least 200,000 tons of gas could be released.
90% of it is methane, which is a very harmful greenhouse gas for the climate.
For example, it is 80 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide.
On Wednesday evening, Denmark estimates that more than half of the gas has already leaked.
If the two gas pipelines were completely emptied, they would release the equivalent of the emissions of a coal plant in one year.
Other experts compare the consequences of its leaks to the annual emissions of 1.4 million vehicles.
For the moment, the person responsible for these leaks has not yet been determined.
The Swedish intelligence services will lead the investigation for "aggravated sabotage", and Russia has announced to open an investigation for "act of international terrorism".
This subject will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday.