Compressed natural gas is one of the safest and cleanest types of fuel today. Companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corp. are constantly looking for new natural gas discoveries in order to feed the growing demand for this clean fuel. The consequences of what can happen without clean fuels like natural gas and a lack of governmental environmental regulations can be seen in South Korea today.

With its rapidly rising population, South Korea’s government has been forced to take action to reduce the astonishingly negative effects pollution is having on the nation’s air quality.  South Korea’s environment was put in severe jeopardy as the government encouraged economic growth regardless of the environmental cost. 

South Korea’s Industrial Boom

The industry in South Korea exploded quickly – and without any environmental considerations. As result, large levels of particulates and carbon emission were released into the air before the government realized how negative the outcome of this would be.  In an effort to counteract the damage that has been done, the government of South Korea has started to enforce laws that are helping to reduce the emission levels.  While these efforts are a good start, the government must do more if it wants to make a difference.

Huge Surge in Auto Emissions

With the encouragement to make a large economic jump, millions of vehicles were suddenly made accessible to consumers.  The large numbers of vehicles now available have begun creating even more emissions problems than the rapid industry growth.  The total level of soot, carbon, and sulfur being released by the millions of motor vehicles in South Korea has been estimated to be 1.6 million metric tons each year.  Nearly half of these emissions come from the large city buses and commercial fleets that, ironically, only make up 10% of the vehicles in the country.

Health Ramifications of Increased Particulate Matter

In addition to negatively affecting the environment, this high level of particulate matter is also affecting the health of the people in South Korea.  Until the growth of industry, and the prosperity that made vehicles and mass transportation readily available, the air was much cleaner.  Now, with all of the pollution in the environment, respiratory diseases and other illnesses have quickly risen in South Korea, especially in larger cities where the government does little to regulate the thousands of vehicles in the cities.

At the recommendation of the World Health Organization, the government of South Korea is now taking a more active role in containing the pollution in the nation.  Research is being conducted to show the benefits of compressed natural gas which is much cleaner than gasoline and requires much less oil usage. 

Compressed natural gas is much better for the environment and because its use could help make the air better to breathe, the South Korean government is offering tax incentives and breaks to encourage the substitution of compressed natural gas burning vehicles for diesel powered vehicles.

Triple Diamond Energy Corp. supports the research, development and discovery of cleaner fuels such as natural gas.