Climate change and the gas and oil industry

Climate change is something we all worry about. We know that the use of fossil fuels such as oil and gas have a significant impact on climate change, but the effect of using these fuels could be greater than we realised.

What causes climate change?

The greenhouse effect describes a warming of the globe due to heat from the sun being trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Certain gases in the atmosphere block the heat and prevent it from returning to space: the higher the concentration of these gases, the more effectively they block the heat which consequently warms the Earth.

Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include:

• Water vapour (H20)
• Nitrous oxide (N20)
• Methane (CH4)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  

To a certain extent, climate change is a natural process. However, it is becoming more and more obvious that the actions of humans are drastically contributing to the greenhouse effect.

For example, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are both released when fossil fuels are burnt. The more fossil fuels we burn, the worse the effect.

What is the damage?

In its Fifth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated there is a greater than 95% probability that human-produced greenhouse gases such as , methane and nitrous oxide have caused much of the observed increase in Earth's temperatures over the past 50 years.

As the temperature increases, sea levels rise due to ice caps melting and sea water expanding as it warms.

Some areas become hotter and dryer while others become wetter. This can impact the water supply on which people, animals, and plants depend, and also crops may fail to grow in a changing environment.

Extreme climate change would make the planet unrecognisable and a difficult place to live.

Knowing that the use of fossil fuels such as gas and oil do so much damage, some people are looking at alternative energy supplies.

We also think it is the responsibility of this sector to take measures to limit their impact.

What are Rochem doing to help?

At this stage, as a race we are still dependent on fossil fuels to facilitate our modern life.

As specialists in and equipment for gas turbine compressors, we are inextricably linked to the use of fossil fuels.

Therefore, we believe it is important for us to do everything we can to minimise our contribution to climate change while helping our customers to do the same.

These are just a few of the things we have been doing to reduce our contribution to climate change:

• We use CNC cutting machines to make our . This process is extremely efficient, using less energy and resources.
• We recycle up to 98% of the water used for testing our nozzles.
• We always choose the most environmentally friendly shipping methods and have stockists around the world: one large shipment is more economical than several smaller ones.
• We recycle whenever possible including paper, electrical parts and scrap metal.
• Our staff are encouraged to find energy efficient ways to get to work including lift sharing, public transport and walking.

These are some of the ways we help our customers to minimise their impact on climate change:

• Our products facilitate efficient cleaning and rinsing, using less energy.
• By using Rochem products, customers’ turbines are cleaner and require less energy to run.

The fight against climate change continues

As increasing pressure is put on the gas and oil industry as contributors to climate change, there will be an impact on the industry itself.

Customers are already seeking alternatives and expecting the sector to do more and more to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

We will continue to play our part in helping customers reduce their emissions while looking for more and more ways to cut our own impact on the worrying forces of climate change.

For more information on how we are playing our part, or .