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According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Earth’s surface temperature has increased by 0.6°C over the past 100 years.

Although that rise may seem minor, it has had a serious impact on the issue of global warming. If this trend continues, it will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to human life.

Curious about how global warming happens and what we can do to reduce the risks? Let’s find out here.

What Is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the rise in the Earth’s average surface temperature. Scientists have concluded that the main cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect (GHE).

According to a European Commission report, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere in 2020 had increased by 48% compared to pre-industrial levels before 1750.

These gases are produced mainly from burning fossil fuels like oil and coal. The situation is worsened by human activities such as deforestation and forest burning.

Read More: Why the Energy Crisis Poses a Serious Threat to the Global Economy?

How Does Global Warming Happen?

Here’s a breakdown of how global warming occurs and the factors that contribute to it:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In essence, any human activity involving the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, or large-scale industrial operations leads to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and other gases.

While these gases don’t directly heat the planet, they intensify the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming.

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

The Greenhouse Effect and Heat Trapping

Earth’s atmosphere plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable temperature through the natural greenhouse effect.

When sunlight reaches Earth as shortwave radiation, the planet’s surface absorbs and re-emits it as longwave (infrared) radiation back into space.

Greenhouse gases absorb some of this infrared radiation and then re-radiate it back to Earth’s surface, helping keep the planet warm.

Unfortunately, when greenhouse gas concentrations rise excessively, more heat gets trapped in the atmosphere, causing Earth’s temperature to gradually rise—this is what we know as global warming.

Read More: Why Switching to Green Energy Matters and How It Impacts the Planet?

The Impacts of Global Warming

The effects of global warming are far-reaching and impact many aspects of life on Earth. Here are some of the most notable consequences:

• Melting glaciers, rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency of flooding.
• More unpredictable weather patterns, such as irregular rainfall. As a result, animals and plants struggle to adapt, leading to rapid and widespread changes in ecosystems.
• Increased rainfall can make it easier for waterborne diseases to spread.

Read More: Why LNG Plays a Key Role in the Global Energy Transition?

The Role of LNG in Reducing the Impact of Global Warming

Considering the negative impacts of global warming, it’s clear that we need to transition to cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

One such alternative is LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)—a cleaner-burning fossil fuel that can help mitigate the effects of global warming.

Although LNG isn’t a zero-emission fuel, it produces significantly less CO₂ compared to oil or coal.

It also emits fewer air pollutants, which can help improve air quality and reduce the environmental effects of global warming.

Proper management and use of LNG can play a key role in the energy transition and in decreasing our dependence on non-renewable fuels that contribute to global warming.

Petroleum and coal have long been essential energy sources in the industrial sector. Unfortunately, both have harmful effects on the environment, as their combustion contributes to rising global temperatures and widespread environmental damage.

Given the alarming consequences of relying on petroleum, it’s time for us to become more aware and start turning to cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives. Want to know the best solution? Let’s explore in this article.

Cleaner Energy Alternatives to Petroleum

In addition to their negative impact, petroleum and coal are non-renewable resources. That’s why, to move toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, we need to transition to alternative energy sources.

Today, there are five major cleaner and more environmentally friendly energy options:

1. LNG

LNG, or Liquefied Natural Gas, is natural gas that has been cooled to around -162°C, turning it into a liquid form that is easier to store and transport.

LNG produces significantly less carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to burning petroleum or coal. It also has a high energy content, making it an efficient fuel for power generation.

LNG is often referred to as a bridge fuel in the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

Read More: What’s the Difference Between LPG and LNG? A Clear Breakdown

2. Solar Energy

Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels. This technology can be used on both household and industrial scales.

Solar power offers many advantages—it’s abundant, renewable, and produces zero emissions during use. Plus, Indonesia receives ample sunlight year-round, making it a highly viable energy source.

3. Wind Energy

Wind is another renewable energy source that can be harnessed to power turbines. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. This process produces no emissions and is especially efficient in windy areas.

Many developed countries have already adopted wind power as a major part of their energy mix. Meanwhile, in developing countries like Indonesia, wind energy remains underutilized.

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

4. Bioenergy (Biofuels and Biogas)

What we often consider waste can actually be a valuable energy resource. Bioenergy is derived from organic materials such as crop residues, agricultural waste, animal manure, and even household organic waste.

There are two types of bioenergy: biofuels and biogas. Biofuels are liquid fuels made from biomass, while biogas is produced through anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen) of organic materials like manure and agricultural waste.

5. Hydropower (Hydroelectric Energy)

Hydropower generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water—typically from dams—to spin turbines. These turbines then convert kinetic energy into electricity.

However, the use of hydropower must be managed carefully to avoid disrupting river ecosystems. Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and developing micro-hydro systems without building large dams are some sustainable approaches to using water as an energy source.

Read More: Why Switching to Green Energy Matters and How It Impacts the Planet?

Why LNG Is the Best Current Solution?

Among the various alternative energy sources available, LNG is considered the most viable solution for the present—especially in supporting the global energy transition.

While renewables like solar and wind hold great promise, they also come with significant challenges.

Both sources rely heavily on weather conditions and time (daylight availability), and typically require large-scale infrastructure to operate efficiently.

On the other hand, LNG provides a more stable energy supply and emits significantly less CO₂ than coal and oil.

With well-established infrastructure, a nationwide distribution network, and supportive regulations, LNG presents a practical bridge for Indonesia in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Petroleum remains a vital resource for powering industries and meeting household needs. From fueling vehicles to serving as a base ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, its uses are widespread.

But have you ever stopped to consider the environmental costs that come with it? The risks associated with petroleum are significant and often overlooked.

How Does Petroleum Harm the Environment?

Human dependence on petroleum has undeniably contributed to climate change and environmental degradation.

Greenpeace reported that the Pertamina oil spill in 2019 polluted the sea and coastal areas, particularly affecting regions such as Bekasi, Karawang, and the Thousand Islands.

This incident serves as a small yet telling example of the environmental harm caused by oil. Beyond this, petroleum carries several other serious risks that can be highly detrimental, including:

Air Pollution from Combustion

As a fossil fuel, the burning of petroleum releases a range of harmful pollutants into the air. These include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter—all of which are hazardous to both human health and the ecosystem.

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

Contribution to Climate Change

Petroleum is one of the leading contributors to climate change. When burned, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.

This leads to global warming, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to natural ecosystems.

Marine Pollution from Oil Spills

Petroleum is often transported by sea, making spills a major risk. When oil leaks into the ocean, it can devastate marine life—killing fish, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The ecological damage from a single spill can last for decades.

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

What Are the Social and Health Impacts of Petroleum?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that poor air quality resulting from oil combustion is responsible for 6.5 million deaths annually, with the majority occurring in Asia and Africa.

Oil pollution—whether on land or in water—poses serious threats to human health and social well-being. Here are some of the direct impacts we may experience:

Public Health Risks

Exposure to petroleum and its derivatives can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.

Toxic substances in petroleum can enter the human body through contaminated air, polluted water, or direct skin contact.

Read More: Why Switching to Green Energy Matters and How It Impacts the Planet?

Social Conflict and Economic Inequality

Petroleum extraction often leads to land disputes and social tension, especially in communities living near drilling sites.

Locals may be displaced, lose their livelihoods, and be excluded from decision-making processes—all of which can trigger prolonged conflicts.

Economic and Geopolitical Dependence

Heavy dependence on petroleum makes economies vulnerable to market fluctuations. Global supply disruptions—whether caused by geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or logistics issues—can lead to soaring prices, inflation, unemployment, and even social unrest.

Read More: Why the Energy Crisis Poses a Serious Threat to the Global Economy?

LNG: A Cleaner, Smarter Energy Alternative

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offers a more sustainable energy option compared to petroleum and coal.

LNG can cut carbon emissions by up to 85% and releases far fewer air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

With its lower environmental impact, LNG plays a vital role in helping the world transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems.