Carbon dioxide (CO2), naturally present in Earth's atmosphere at 0.04%, helps regulate temperature as a greenhouse gas. However, human activities like industry and fossil fuel combustion have sharply increased CO2 levels, driving climate change and extreme weather. To combat these effects, reducing CO2 emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, reforestation, and technological innovations is essential.
Hydrogen (H2), the most abundant element in the universe, is essential in many chemical processes. One of its key uses is as a clean fuel in fuel cells, where it generates electricity and produces only water as a byproduct. However, most hydrogen is currently produced from fossil fuels. To fully realize its environmental benefits, it's essential to develop sustainable production methods using renewable energy, to advance clean energy technologies.
Energy storage is essential for balancing supply and demand, ensuring a reliable and efficient system. It includes technologies like lithium-ion batteries, thermal storage, and supercapacitors, providing rapid bursts of power for applications like regenerative braking and power backup. By improving system flexibility and supporting the use of renewable sources, energy storage plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.
Human activity generates large amounts of waste - plastics, gases, metals, and organic residues - which are difficult to dispose of and contribute to the destruction of entire ecosystems. Developing systems for the proper disposal of this waste and transforming it into high-value products using sustainable practices and resources is essential for protecting the environment and promoting a society based on the circular economy.
