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Fossil energy sources, such as coal and petroleum, remain the primary means of meeting today’s energy needs. However, relying on these sources has serious consequences, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions that accelerate climate change.

The good news is, we have a more environmentally friendly alternative: biogas. This energy, produced from organic waste, not only generates lower emissions but also helps save energy and reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Curious why biogas offers so many advantages? Let’s dive into the explanation in this article.

What is Biogas?

Biogas is a renewable energy source derived from natural gas produced through the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions.

This fermentation process produces gases such as methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), along with small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and water vapor.

Organic waste materials that can be used to produce biogas include:

• Animal manure
• Agricultural waste (such as straw, leaves, and food scraps)
• Organic household waste
• Sludge from wastewater treatment plants

To convert these materials into biogas, a technology called a digester is used. A digester is a sealed, airtight container that allows microorganisms to break down organic matter and produce methane gas.

Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?

Why Does Biogas Help Save Energy?

Biogas allows us to turn organic waste into a local, environmentally friendly energy source. It’s not only easy to source but also offers significant cost savings.

Here are several reasons why biogas is an effective solution to reduce energy consumption now and in the future:

Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuels

One of the main reasons biogas saves energy is its ability to replace fossil fuels such as LPG and even coal. Using biogas for cooking, lighting, or power generation reduces the demand for fossil fuels.

In households, especially in rural areas where access to conventional fuels is limited or expensive, biogas can significantly reduce fuel costs.

Read More: LNG and Other Energy Alternatives: The Ideal Coal Replacements?

Energy Efficiency from Waste

Biogas enables energy production from organic waste that would otherwise be discarded. With a simple digester system, kitchen waste, livestock manure, and crop residues can be turned into usable energy.

This creates a self-sufficient local energy cycle. Waste that once caused environmental problems has now become a source of clean, low-cost energy.

The energy output can be scaled according to need, from household to small industry applications.

Lower Energy Costs

Although an initial investment is needed to build a biogas installation (such as a digester and gas distribution system), costs can be minimized by using local materials and simple technologies.

Once operational, the system requires minimal upkeep, as it only needs a steady supply of organic waste. In the long run, this translates to significant cost savings.

Read More: Is Transportation Truly the Biggest Energy Consumer? Let’s Break It Down

Biogas: An Environmentally Friendly Energy Solution

Biogas has many advantages that make it one of the most eco-friendly renewable energy options available. Compared to fossil fuels, both its production and usage are far cleaner and more sustainable.

Here’s why biogas is considered an environmentally friendly energy alternative:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions: Biogas captures methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, a gas with a much higher global warming potential than CO₂.
• Productive use of organic waste: Food scraps, animal waste, and agricultural residues, which are major pollutants, can now be transformed into useful energy.
• Ideal for remote areas: Biogas can be produced locally, even on a small scale, making it ideal for communities with limited access to LPG or centralized energy infrastructure.

Proper management of organic waste can turn it into a reliable renewable energy source. To support the government’s energy transition efforts, PGN LNG Indonesia is developing technology to refine biogas into bioLNG (biomethane liquefied natural gas).

This process involves purifying the methane and removing other contaminants to produce high-quality gas that can then be liquefied into bioLNG.

As a liquid, bioLNG is easier to store and transport, especially to areas not yet connected to pipeline infrastructure.

According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate change is progressing rapidly and systematically. The decade from 2011 to 2020 was recorded as the hottest period in history, with the global average temperature rising by 1.1°C.

Global warming is merely the beginning of a climate crisis that could threaten human life. So, what exactly is causing this rapid climate change—and what real solutions can we pursue? Let’s explore the facts in this article.

What Are the Real Impacts of Climate Change?

Simply put, long-term climate change affects global weather patterns and temperatures. This results in unpredictable conditions involving heat, atmospheric pressure, and rainfall.

The main cause is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, including:

• Methane (CH₄)
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

These gases trap heat from solar radiation, raising the Earth’s temperature beyond normal levels. When this condition becomes excessive, it can trigger several alarming consequences, such as:

• Rising sea levels
• Ecosystem disruption due to acid rain
• More frequent and intense storms
• Flooding
• Drought

These phenomena can damage the environment and pose serious threats to human health.

Read More: The Crucial Role of Alternative Electricity Sources in Shaping Our Future

What Are the Main Causes of Climate Change?

Human activities that are harmful to the environment—such as the use of fossil fuels and deforestation—have led to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Below are the key factors contributing to climate change:

1. Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The greenhouse effect is a natural process essential for sustaining life on Earth. It allows the atmosphere to absorb some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface and reflect it back, helping keep the planet warm.

However, when greenhouse gas concentrations rise too high, excessive heat becomes trapped in the atmosphere. This leads to a rise in the Earth’s average temperature and intensifies climate change.

Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?

2. Deforestation

Deforestation not only removes trees that naturally absorb carbon but also releases stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere when trees are cut or burned.

Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it. Destroying forests reverses this process, increasing atmospheric carbon levels and intensifying the greenhouse effect.

3. Industrial Activities and the Energy Sector

Heavy industries, coal-fired power plants, and transportation systems rely heavily on fossil fuels. Unfortunately, their emissions pollute the air and contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect.

This dependency is a major driver of the climate crisis. It’s time for us to collectively support a transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources—meeting both industrial and public energy needs without harming the planet.

4. Fast Fashion and Consumerism

The rise of fast fashion also plays a role in greenhouse gas emissions. Large-scale clothing production consumes vast amounts of energy.

Environmental damage doesn’t stop at manufacturing—textile waste generated by the “buy-and-throw-away” culture adds further harm.

Textile waste is difficult to decompose and is not as easily recyclable as organic waste. The higher the rate of consumption and production, the greater the carbon footprint.

Read More: Top Benefits of Natural Gas, More Than Just Low Emissions

How LNG Can Be a Solution to Climate Change?

As global energy demands rise, the world needs solutions that are not only reliable but also environmentally friendly. In this context, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a promising transitional energy source.

Compared to other fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, LNG emits significantly less carbon dioxide (CO₂) when burned.

LNG also has practical advantages in storage and distribution. In its liquid form, it takes up less space and can be transported to remote areas that traditional energy networks cannot reach.

This makes LNG known as a “bridge fuel” to renewable energy. In other words, using LNG is a critical transitional step that supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.

In 2023, the World Air Quality Report ranked Indonesia as the country with the worst air quality in Southeast Asia.

Air pollution is no longer a minor issue that can be overlooked. Deteriorating air quality poses a serious threat to public health, particularly through a rise in respiratory illnesses.

But beyond those immediate health effects, air pollution has many other serious consequences. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers of air pollution and explore the best energy solutions to combat it.

What Is Air Pollution and What Causes It?

Air pollution refers to the contamination of the air by harmful substances that pose risks to humans and other living organisms.

It can come from a wide range of sources, such as emissions from coal combustion, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust.

Even in everyday household activities, air pollution can arise from waste burning or cooking processes, especially when grilling meat or fish.

In short, air pollution is a key indicator of environmental degradation caused by excessive pollutant levels. This reflects a decline in air quality due to the introduction of toxic elements into Earth’s atmosphere.

Read More: Top Benefits of Natural Gas, More Than Just Low Emissions

The Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health

Continuous exposure to air pollution undeniably harms human health, particularly the respiratory system. Here are some of the most concerning health impacts caused by polluted air:

Serious Respiratory Problems

Air pollution from vehicles, cigarettes, and industrial emissions can trigger severe respiratory issues such as asthma, ARI, and even lung cancer.

These problems arise because air pollution reduces the oxygen levels in the body, which can have serious consequences for human health.

Read More: Decarbonization, Why the World Must Shift to Clean Energy?

Reduced Oxygen in the Blood

Beyond the lungs, air pollution can also disrupt the circulatory system. Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. 

Polluted air also contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful substances that can trigger systemic inflammation. This may lead to increased blood viscosity and stimulate the release of inflammatory proteins, ultimately causing inflammation in blood vessels.

Increased Risk of Miscarriage

For pregnant women, air pollution presents serious risks to both mother and unborn child. Pollutants such as PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially disrupting fetal development. This increases the risk of premature birth and, in some cases, miscarriage.

Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Long-term exposure to air pollution can raise the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Toxic particles in polluted air can accelerate arterial hardening, trigger systemic inflammation, and impair heart function. Over time, this can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?

The Environmental Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution doesn’t just affect human health—it also causes significant environmental damage. Here are a few major impacts:

Acid Rain

Air pollution can lead to acid rain, which is corrosive and harmful to plants. Acid rain damages leaves, interferes with soil nutrient absorption, and acidifies soil and water. This heightened acidity can threaten the survival of many animal species, including terrestrial wildlife and fish.

Read More: The Crucial Role of Alternative Electricity Sources in Shaping Our Future

Ozone Layer Depletion

Air pollution contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. As ozone thins, harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the Earth’s surface more easily, endangering human skin and disrupting ecosystems.

Global Warming Contributor

Air pollutants such as carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. As these gases accumulate, Earth’s average temperature rises, driving global warming.

This warming leads to climate change, melting polar ice, and rising sea levels—all of which have global, long-term impacts.

Read More: The Process of Global Warming: From the Beginning to Its Impact

How LNG Helps Reduce Air Pollution

To address the worsening air quality that threatens public health, serious efforts are needed from all parties—especially governments and industries.

One effective step is reducing coal usage and transitioning to cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sources such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

LNG is considered an ideal alternative fuel because it emits significantly less carbon, which helps lower air pollution levels.

By adopting LNG, we not only protect the environment but also enable industrial sectors to grow without jeopardizing human health and the planet’s sustainability.