Airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) comprises tiny particles that pose significant health risks, including heart disease and lung cancer. Major sources include natural events and human activities, with notable geographic variations. Reductions in PM2.5 levels have been observed in affluent regions, but exposure remains high in countries like China and India, impacting public health.
Nuclear power plants have a nameplate capacity of about 390 gigawatts and supply 10% of the world’s electricity. The United States, Russia, France, Japan, South Korea, and China account for 71% of global capacity. Capacity additions have declined due to accidents, rising costs, public opposition, and the increasing attractiveness of renewable power generation.
Modern wind energy in the U.S. began in the early 1980s in California, driven by favorable policies post-1970s oil shocks. By 2024, wind energy’s national share rose from less than 1% in 1990 to approximately 10.5%. Texas emerged as a leader, with 40 GW of capacity ranking it fifth globally.
Ammonia (NH3) feeds and pollutes the world.1 The synthesis of ammonia underpins all nitrogen fertilizers, and without their applications it would be impossible to feed, at current levels, nearly half of today’s 8 billion people. China could not feed 40% of its population without nitrogen fertilizers.2 This makes ammonia one of the most important materials humans have ever developed. Ammonia
Natural gas demand in the U.S. varies seasonally, with higher consumption during colder months potentially causing price increases due to supply shortages. Underground storage, primarily in depleted reservoirs, salt caverns, and aquifers, helps balance supply and demand year-round. Storage levels drop significantly during colder winters, affecting overall availability.
Low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is produced by various commercial operations and the U.S. Department of Energy. It includes contaminated materials like clothes, tools, and medical supplies. LLW is typically stored on-site until it decays or is shipped to disposal sites, regulated under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980.
Satellites significantly enhance our understanding of methane emissions, responsible for about 30% of anthropogenic global warming. The United Nations Environment Programme’s Methane Alert and Response System detects plumes from waste, oil, gas, and coal, identifying super emitters to improve emissions accountability. Methane from waste facilities is particularly concerning due to inefficient capture methods.
Digitalization transforms processes by integrating digital technologies across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and communication. The relationship between digitalization and energy use indicates a decline in energy intensity, although economic growth may offset energy savings. Challenges include job displacement due to automation and inequities in digital access, raising privacy concerns.
Methane, a significant climate pollutant, contributes extensively to global warming and poses health risks by forming ground-level ozone. Major emissions arise from fossil fuel extraction, coal mining, and venting or flaring processes. Mitigating these emissions through technologies like leak detection and methane recovery can significantly reduce methane output and provide economic benefits.
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming and has detrimental effects on health and ecosystems. Emissions have increased over 40% since 1970, primarily from agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste management. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction by 2030, but recent trends challenge its effectiveness.
Airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) comprises tiny particles that pose significant health risks, including heart disease and lung cancer. Major sources include natural events and human activities, with notable geographic variations. Reductions in PM2.5 levels have been observed in affluent regions, but exposure remains high in countries like China and India, impacting public health.
Nuclear power plants have a nameplate capacity of about 390 gigawatts and supply 10% of the world’s electricity. The United States, Russia, France, Japan, South Korea, and China account for 71% of global capacity. Capacity additions have declined due to accidents, rising costs, public opposition, and the increasing attractiveness of renewable power generation.
Modern wind energy in the U.S. began in the early 1980s in California, driven by favorable policies post-1970s oil shocks. By 2024, wind energy’s national share rose from less than 1% in 1990 to approximately 10.5%. Texas emerged as a leader, with 40 GW of capacity ranking it fifth globally.
Ammonia (NH3) feeds and pollutes the world.1 The synthesis of ammonia underpins all nitrogen fertilizers, and without their applications it would be impossible to feed, at current levels, nearly half of today’s 8 billion people. China could not feed 40% of its population without nitrogen fertilizers.2 This makes ammonia one of the most important materials humans have ever developed. Ammonia
Natural gas demand in the U.S. varies seasonally, with higher consumption during colder months potentially causing price increases due to supply shortages. Underground storage, primarily in depleted reservoirs, salt caverns, and aquifers, helps balance supply and demand year-round. Storage levels drop significantly during colder winters, affecting overall availability.
Low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is produced by various commercial operations and the U.S. Department of Energy. It includes contaminated materials like clothes, tools, and medical supplies. LLW is typically stored on-site until it decays or is shipped to disposal sites, regulated under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980.
Satellites significantly enhance our understanding of methane emissions, responsible for about 30% of anthropogenic global warming. The United Nations Environment Programme’s Methane Alert and Response System detects plumes from waste, oil, gas, and coal, identifying super emitters to improve emissions accountability. Methane from waste facilities is particularly concerning due to inefficient capture methods.
Digitalization transforms processes by integrating digital technologies across various sectors, enhancing efficiency and communication. The relationship between digitalization and energy use indicates a decline in energy intensity, although economic growth may offset energy savings. Challenges include job displacement due to automation and inequities in digital access, raising privacy concerns.
Methane, a significant climate pollutant, contributes extensively to global warming and poses health risks by forming ground-level ozone. Major emissions arise from fossil fuel extraction, coal mining, and venting or flaring processes. Mitigating these emissions through technologies like leak detection and methane recovery can significantly reduce methane output and provide economic benefits.
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming and has detrimental effects on health and ecosystems. Emissions have increased over 40% since 1970, primarily from agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste management. The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction by 2030, but recent trends challenge its effectiveness.