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
Fuels like wood, diesel, and natural gas have shaped human energy history, driven by technological, economic, and environmental forces. Liquid fuels from oil, with their high mass and volumetric energy density, led to their supremacy in transportation. Shifts in fuel types also influence the devices that convert them into energy services.
National governments began spending on environmental protection in the late 19th century, escalating after World War II due to pollution concerns. Key legislation emerged worldwide, including Japan’s 1967 law and the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In 2023, EU spending on environmental protection totaled €142 billion, highlighting diverse national priorities in tackling environmental issues.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels, leading to potential health hazards like headaches and confusion. Residential sources produce significant CO emissions, impacting 2.4 billion people reliant on biomass. Globally, emissions peaked in 1989, but have since declined due to regulations and technological advancements in combustion efficiency.
The reserve-to-production (R/P) ratio calculates the lifespan of fossil fuel reserves based on production rates. In the U.S., regulatory frameworks affect reserve reporting, with oil R/P ratios declining from over 40:1 in the early 20th century to about 10:1 today. State-owned enterprises often inflate reserves, complicating future availability assessments.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to global warming, accounting for about 30% of human-caused warming. Its atmospheric concentration reached a record high in 2023, primarily due to anthropogenic activities like agriculture and landfills. Wetlands play a crucial role in methane emissions, exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the need for further research and mitigation strategies.
NOx, comprising nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, significantly impacts air pollution and health, causing respiratory issues and contributing to harmful pollutants. Mainly emitted from transportation and industrial activities, NOx levels vary globally. Efforts to reduce emissions include regulatory policies and technology advancements, along with a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant produced from burning sulfur-containing fuels. It poses health risks, including respiratory issues and links to heart disease, while harming the environment by contributing to acid rain. Emissions have significantly decreased due to regulations and technology, but global reliance on fossil fuels continues to impact levels.
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.
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
Fuels like wood, diesel, and natural gas have shaped human energy history, driven by technological, economic, and environmental forces. Liquid fuels from oil, with their high mass and volumetric energy density, led to their supremacy in transportation. Shifts in fuel types also influence the devices that convert them into energy services.
National governments began spending on environmental protection in the late 19th century, escalating after World War II due to pollution concerns. Key legislation emerged worldwide, including Japan’s 1967 law and the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In 2023, EU spending on environmental protection totaled €142 billion, highlighting diverse national priorities in tackling environmental issues.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic, colorless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels, leading to potential health hazards like headaches and confusion. Residential sources produce significant CO emissions, impacting 2.4 billion people reliant on biomass. Globally, emissions peaked in 1989, but have since declined due to regulations and technological advancements in combustion efficiency.
The reserve-to-production (R/P) ratio calculates the lifespan of fossil fuel reserves based on production rates. In the U.S., regulatory frameworks affect reserve reporting, with oil R/P ratios declining from over 40:1 in the early 20th century to about 10:1 today. State-owned enterprises often inflate reserves, complicating future availability assessments.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to global warming, accounting for about 30% of human-caused warming. Its atmospheric concentration reached a record high in 2023, primarily due to anthropogenic activities like agriculture and landfills. Wetlands play a crucial role in methane emissions, exacerbated by climate change, highlighting the need for further research and mitigation strategies.
NOx, comprising nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, significantly impacts air pollution and health, causing respiratory issues and contributing to harmful pollutants. Mainly emitted from transportation and industrial activities, NOx levels vary globally. Efforts to reduce emissions include regulatory policies and technology advancements, along with a shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant produced from burning sulfur-containing fuels. It poses health risks, including respiratory issues and links to heart disease, while harming the environment by contributing to acid rain. Emissions have significantly decreased due to regulations and technology, but global reliance on fossil fuels continues to impact levels.
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.