In this article, we’ll explain what microplastic is, the harmful effects of microplastic, and how we can mitigate the use of microplastic.

What is Microplastic?

All of the sudden, certain elements and materials are considered as a hard pass in the midst of climate change and the push for greater sustainability – such as people switching to reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and remaining wary of fast fashion to avoid hazardous materials like microplastic. 

Microplastics can have a profound impact on the environment, ocean life, and even the human body – making microplastic a new cause for concern in our world. 

In simple terms, the definition of microplastics are small, microscopic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter – and can easily end up in water filtration systems, oceans, and even our food. 


💡 Microplastics are synthetic compounds that have low-to-no biodegradable properties, making them easy to pass through our food chains – such as in the fish we eat.

To this day, we still don’t know the full effects of microplastic on human health – as microplastic may come in various shapes, sizes, and concentrations. While the best strategy is to limit or avoid the use of microplastic altogether, more research needs to be done in order to effectively fight microplastic toxicity.

“Now we can use it to test more parts of the body, our tissue, our brain. Now we are able to definitely say that they stay in our body,” said researcher Kara Wiggin.

Microplastics and their impact on the human body

There are two main types of microplastics:

Primary Microplastics – This type of microplastic is purposely manufactured in small sizes and used in popular cosmetics such as makeup and skincare. One of the best examples of commonly used microplastics includes microbeads, which are often used in face wash to help exfoliate the skin.

Secondary Microplastics – This type of microplastic is created when larger plastic products break down into smaller fragments, such as a single-use plastic water bottle or thin plastic being left out into the sun for too long. This can also include plastic that is breaking down from wear-and-tear, such as a fish net or a plastic toy. 

Microplastic can come from the following sources:

Clothing – Textile fibers from synthetic clothing which release microplastic after washing, which has caused people to become more aware of the importance of sustainable fashion. 

Tires – Particles released from tires from driving, where up to 78% of microplastics found in the ocean are from synthetic tire rubber.

“Our estimated annual discharge of microplastics into San Francisco Bay from stormwater was 7 trillion particles, and half of that was suspected tire particles.” – Environmental scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute, Rebecca Sutton.

Single-Use Plastic – Plastic bags or water bottles which easily breakdown over time, meaning that we could be eating snacks out of an old, single-use plastic bag and accidentally be exposing ourselves to microplastic. 

Cosmetics – Skincare, makeup, or other cosmetic products can contain microbeads which can end up in our bodies or landfill. 

👉 Ultimately, microplastic can be found in many facets of our every day life – demonstrating how microplastic is already intertwined with our daily routines – which makes it all the more difficult to avoid microplastic entirely.

There are several reasons why microplastic is harmful, but it is mostly detrimental to the human body, agriculture, our oceans and bodies of water such as the Great Lakes, and aquatic life – as ingesting microplastic can release endocrine disrupting chemicals.

💡 As microplastic can be found in oceans, on remote islands, and even in polar regions – their damaging effects span the globe, making it all the more imperative to understand the effects of microplastics and eradicate them to the best of our ability.

In addition to this, microplastic also carries other toxic chemicals – which could have an impact on air pollution and increase the amount of harmful pollutants in our atmosphere. This reveals that microplastic can have an impact on our planet and human health, even when we don’t accidentally consume microplastic.

Here’s a breakdown of the different ways in which microplastic can be harmful:

When humans consume microplastic, it can have an impact on their endocrine system – which would in turn have an effect on reproductive systems, incite weight gain, and even cause cancer. 

Furthermore, microplastic doesn’t cause harm when ingested, but it has an impact on our air quality – as microplastics have been shown to contribute to excess greenhouse gas emissions.

💡 In fact, plastics as a whole will emit 1.34 gigatons per year by 2030 and a whopping 2.8 gigatons per year by 2050 – illustrating why our newfound concern regarding the consumption of microplastic is warranted. 

As microplastic has a way of ending up anywhere, it can even find its way into soil – where microplastic can change the structure of the soil such as its porosity. 

This means that the health of various soil organisms may be compromised and contaminated – overall making it more difficult to warrant a fruitful, quality harvest of produce.

👉 In order to combat the negative effects of microplastic in soil from fertilizers or irrigation with polluted water resources, some farmers have adapted climate smart farming tactics to avoid the potential impacts of microplastic.

Microplastic can easily contaminate oceans, as 12 million tons of plastic finds its way into the ocean every year – meaning that marine animals often mistake microplastic for food, which can ultimately disrupt food chains and marine ecosystems. 


Since microplastic absorbs heavy metals and pesticides once oceanborne – it can act as a toxic carrier – ending up on oceanshores and creating a profound impact on surrounding biodiversity. This is because microplastic can interfere with both plankton and the natural carbon cycle, which are essential for oceanic health.

 “Microplastics truly are omnipresent in these environments… they are affecting marine biota at every trophic scale.” – CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law, Carroll Muffett.

👉As the production of primary and secondary microplastic continues to increase, it is becoming increasingly difficult to mitigate the harmful effects of microplastic for oceanic habitats.  

Since aquatic wildlife often mistakes microplastics for food, it not only disrupts the food chain – but can cause severe harm and even death to marine life.

For example, whenever fish, turtles, or birds such as seagulls eat microplastic, it can block their digestive tracks and reduce their appetite – leading to accidental starvation and malnourishment.  

Besides digestive issues, microplastic is also linked to behavioral and reproductive problems for aquatic life – meaning that they could accidentally pass on these issues to their offspring and create long-standing, challenging-to-reserve problems for their species as a whole.

These pervasive effects highlight the urgent need for reducing plastic waste and improving waste management systems.

👉 Overall, microplastic has a colossal impact on our health, the environment, and aquatic life – highlighting the need for improved efforts to encourage mitigating microplastic.

The table below will delve into the additional ways that microplastics are harmful:

<table border="1">
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Negative Effect</th>
            <th>Description</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Stifles Innovation in Sustainable Products</td>
            <td>
                Microplastics create challenges for businesses aiming to innovate in the sustainability space. For instance, new biodegradable materials or eco-friendly products may face increased scrutiny to ensure they do not unintentionally contribute to microplastic pollution during degradation, delaying their development and adoption.
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Prevents True Circular Economies</td>
            <td>
                Microplastics complicate recycling processes, as they contaminate recycled materials, making it difficult to create high-quality, reusable products. This undermines efforts to achieve a fully circular economy by reducing the value and usability of recycled goods.
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Hampers National Sustainability Goals</td>
            <td>
                Many countries striving to meet sustainability goals find it difficult to track and manage microplastic pollution. This invisible pollutant undermines clean water and air initiatives, making it harder for nations to present themselves as truly sustainable.
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Discourages Investment in Clean Technologies</td>
            <td>
                Microplastic pollution requires costly research and mitigation efforts, diverting resources away from investments in clean energy or alternative materials. The ongoing issue also increases investor hesitation, fearing that new technologies could exacerbate pollution problems rather than solve them.
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Complicates International Trade Policies</td>
            <td>
                The presence of microplastics in goods like textiles or cosmetics leads to stricter trade regulations. Countries may impose bans or additional certifications, increasing the complexity and cost of exporting sustainable products.
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>


If humans eat microplastic, it can cause toxic substances to enter our bodies – which in turn can result in gastrointestinal issues, damage to our DNA, and increase the risk of cancer.


💡 Despite the fact that we still remain unaware of the full effects of microplastic on the human body, new research indicates that consuming microplastic can cause oxidative damage – which can change our cell structure and impact our reproductive systems.

“There are so many unknowns… but we are seeing more data that suggest microplastics affect human biology.” – Environmental Professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Bernardo Lemos.

👉 It can be challenging to avoid consuming microplastic, seeing as humans ingest roughly 2,000 microplastics per year from salt alone – provoking people to wonder if they can remove the microplastics they have since consumed.

Can you get rid of microplastics in your body?

There is currently no surefire way to remove microplastic from the human body, and since it is difficult to test for levels of microplastic – as only 5 to 10% of blood concentration of microplastic is the true value of tissue levels. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine how much microplastic toxicity one has suffered.

Luckily, we can limit the amount of microplastic we consume by changing our eating and lifestyle habits.

Here are some ways you can reduce the amount of microplastic in your body:

Donating Blood or Plasma – New research reveals that regularly donating blood or plasma may help to reduce the levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in your bloodstream.

Eating Healthier – Shopping at your local farmers market and avoiding single-use plastic packaging with food could help to reduce the consumption of microplastic. 

Reduce Your Plastic Consumption – This means switching to glass containers, reusable water bottles, and opting to purchase items that make use of sustainable packaging. 

Boil Tap Water – The American Chemical Society shared a report explaining that boiling calcium-rich tap water could help to remove up to 90% of microplastics in tap water.  


👉 Accidentally inhaling or ingesting too much microplastic can cause the body to trigger an immune response, which can result in chronic pain or even particle toxicity – making it important to mitigating microplastic altogether.

How can we reduce and avoid the harmful effects of microplastic? 

There are several ways we can reduce the detrimental effects of microplastic, such as by increasing legislation to ban microplastic in products and by increasing funding for research to better understand how microplastic affects the human body.

💡 Microplastics will continue to spread toxicity amongst our wildlife, our environment, and even our own bodies – meaning it’s important to develop new mechanisms to avoid their destructive impact. 

Here are some ways to avoid the harmful effects of microplastic:

Increased Legislation on Microplastic – As the Netherlands was the first country to ban microbeads in 2014, many countries have since followed in their footsteps – such as Canada, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. If more countries were to join in on banning microbreads, we could help to avoid both primary and secondary microplastic from accidentally being ingested or inhaled. 

New Research – One of the biggest concerns with microplastic is that we still don’t fully understand to what lengths it can have an impact on the environment, our ecosystems, and even our own bodies. If we were to increase funding for research for microplastic, we could possibly develop new, more efficient ways of avoiding their harmful effects.

Encourage the Use of Biodegradables – As a global society, we still use more plastic than we should – but if we encouraged the use of more sustainable materials such as biodegradable packing materials, we could reduce the demand for single-use plastics and therefore significantly cut back on the production of primary microplastic. 

Overall, microplastic is a serious issue that needs to be addressed in the midst of our fight against climate change – as if we continue to let microplastics run rampant, it could further contribute to our own downfall.

If reading this article on microplastic has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to effectively reduce emissions in your business, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to ensure your company is reducing emissions as effectively as possible.

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

In this article, we’ll review why stakeholders are important, how they could impact your company’s sustainability efforts, and how to prevent them from doing so.

Preventing Stakeholders From Ruining Your Sustainability Efforts

Over the past year, from devastating wildfires in Hawaii to and massive floods in Russia, people have started to see the negative impact of climate change firsthand like never before – which has elicited people to start shifting gears and become more serious about climate change.

Stakeholders are an essential part of any business, but how can your company ensure that your stakeholders don’t get in the way of your sustainability efforts?

In this article, we’ll review why stakeholders are important, how stakeholders could impact your company’s sustainability efforts, and how to prevent your stakeholders from ruining your sustainability plans.

What are stakeholders and why are they important?

Stakeholders refer to the people who are either involved or impacted by a company’s current business endeavors, ergo the term “stakeholders” to represent people who have “stake”, or some type of involvement or relation to the project in question.

Think of planning a road trip with your friends – the car company you choose to rent from and friends you choose to travel with would all be considered stakeholders in your roadtrip. The same goes for businesses, as anyone from surrounding communities to research institutions associated with your product or service could be considered stakeholders.

What is a stakeholder and stakeholder theory? This video looks at the definition, primary and secondary stakeholders, and suggests practical uses for leaders. The video contrasts stakeholders vs shareholders or stockholders and looks the role stakeholders play in the overall success of an organization, 
 
Free Download pdf Quick Guide to Professional Communication Skills: https://www.alexanderlyon.com/
free-resources

R. Edward Freeman's Video:    • What is Stakeholder Theory? - R. Edwa...   

.


Communication Coach, this channel, helps rising leaders like you increase your impact and lead your teams with more excellence. The channel focuses on communication skills for leaders, presentation skills, group and team skills, and conversation skills. If you're looking for self-paced communication skills training, this is the channel for you.

What is a Stakeholder?

Stakeholders are important because they can have a direct influence on a project. For instance, if investors aren’t happy with the product or service – they won’t continue to invest more money into the company. If locals aren’t happy with how production for your company’s product impacts their daily lives, such as contributing to nearby air pollution, they could boycott the company altogether. 

👉 Therefore, it’s imperative to keep your stakeholders both informed and engaged regarding your current company activities – as stakeholders have the power to deter your business plans and even sustainable efforts from being successful.

Why is stakeholder engagement important for sustainability?

Stakeholder engagement is important for sustainability as stakeholders are paramount to ensure that new corporate sustainability initiatives are well implemented. Therefore, seeking to involve your stakeholders can help to make certain that all sustainability efforts are understood by all third parties.

Think of trying to incorporate a new routine within a group. It is important for not only the group leaders to understand the new initiatives, but for all of the members of the group to comprehend and want to implement those changes as well. The same goes for essential stakeholders in your organization.

Here are a few more reasons why stakeholder engagement is important to develop your company’s sustainability strategy:

Identify Key Issues – Engaging with stakeholders is crucial to ensure your company remains up-to-date regarding ESG issues and how to develop your sustainability efforts accordingly. 

Practice Greater Trust & Transparency – Informing your stakeholders on the importance of adhering to sustainable efforts can help to cultivate trust and illustrate a genuine commitment to enforcing eco-friendly change. 

Incite New Collaboration – Seeking to include your stakeholders in your sustainable efforts could ignite the opportunity for new ideas, and ultimately lead to further sustainable innovations to be implemented in the future. Remember, your stakeholders may be able to come up with new sustainable practices your company would’ve never considered alone!

Improve Brand Image & Reputation – Working to engage your stakeholders can help to build a better brand reputation for future customers, investors, and even future stakeholders – all of which can help both your financial and sustainable endeavors to grow.

👉 Overall, stakeholder engagement is important for sustainability given the outside expertise and new ideas that your stakeholders could provide to your business – helping to further push your sustainable initiatives.

How could stakeholders impact your sustainability efforts?

There are several ways in which stakeholders could impact your company’s efforts to implement greater sustainability, such as by refusing to invest in your brand, lack of materials from suppliers, or lack of trust from consumers.

Stakeholders don’t only have the power to determine the financial success of your business, but also the influence to sway if your current sustainability efforts will be successful – as their cooperation is essential for your sustainable initiative to prove effective.

Some additional ways that your stakeholders could have an impact on your sustainability efforts include:

Refusal to Provide Funding – Some of your stakeholders, such as government agencies or non-profit organizations, may not be willing to provide your company with the funding it needs to implement your sustainable initiatives. This could prevent your business from going green at the rate you had previously planned. 

Environmental Regulations – Stakeholders involved with the government may have more stringent expectations in terms of current environmental regulations, meaning – they may expect your company to go above and beyond what is currently required. This could pressure your company to implement sustainability efforts at an overzealous pace that can’t be maintained.  

Impact via Technology & Research – Research institutions will often aim to share their findings with companies to help them develop the most relevant sustainability strategy possible. However, some academic institutions may not be able to provide that information right away – making it difficult for companies to curate their sustainability strategy accordingly. In this case, technology could help to share this information faster and ensure relevancy.

Locals & Indigenous People – Think back to the Keystone Pipeline: the majority of its controversy became social and ethical. Even if your company has a new sustainable idea in mind, it could serve as a nuisance to locals – and could ultimately hinder your business from moving forward with your once-flawless sustainable idea.

New Consumer Interests – Just as it’s important to ensure your investors are interested in your sustainable ideas, customers should be on board, too – as this is likely to be the primary source of revenue for your business and the deciding factor if future funding will be available for future sustainable efforts. On the flip side, consumers could encourage your business to develop new sustainable initiatives and prove supportive in the process.

Potential or Failed Partnerships – Working together could help to cultivate even stronger sustainable habits, but if one partner isn’t in agreement with the current terms or ideas – companies will then be left to scramble and fulfill their sustainable initiatives alone. This means that these stakeholders could make-or-break certain sustainable initiatives. 

👉 Ultimately, stakeholders have the ability to influence the direction of your sustainability initiatives as a result of their own individual preferences and actions – making it crucial to communicate your current and future sustainability goals with stakeholders.

How can your company better communicate sustainability matters to your stakeholders?

There are several ways that your company can prevent your stakeholders from getting in the way of achieving your sustainability goals, but the most effective way to ensure your stakeholders don’t get in the way of your sustainability efforts is to practice good communication.

One of the best ways to ensure that your stakeholders don’t implicate your current sustainability efforts is to remain proactive and provide as much information in advance as possible.

Here are some ways to implement better communication methods regarding sustainability with your stakeholders:

Practice Transparency – Your stakeholders can better accommodate to your sustainability plans if you remain consistent and honest, such as by sharing frequent public reports in addition to having personal conversations on how your sustainability efforts may impact stakeholders.

Be Personable & Show Empathy – Let’s say that your company is looking to build a new, more sustainable office – but in the meantime, the construction will inconvenience nearby residents. Remember to express empathy to show those who will potentially be impacted that your business understands it is disruptive, and then iterate how it will benefit them in the long run.

Provide Visuals – Did you know that around 65% of people are visual learners? Therefore, it’s helpful to provide your stakeholders with visuals for your sustainability plans, as this will help them to better understand your goals and how it will impact them.

Tailor Your Message for Each Stakeholder – Oftentimes, businesses will prepare a “speech”, much like someone looking for a job prepares a standard cover letter – but sometimes we forget to tailor our communications to the individual audience. It’s important to discuss the most relevant points to each stakeholder to ensure they are well informed about your sustainability initiatives, as this can help to make sure they do not do anything to jeopardize your company’s success. 

💡 It’s important to make sure your conversations with your stakeholders are personalized to ensure effective communication.

How can your company encourage stakeholders to support your sustainability strategy?

It’s one thing to inform your stakeholders about your sustainability goals, but it’s another thing to gain their support. Luckily, it’s possible – such as by working to understand their needs and involving them in the decision making process.

If your company plays your cards right, you may not only be able to prevent your stakeholders from getting in the way of your sustainability efforts – but you could get your stakeholders to help support your sustainability strategy.

Some ways to get your stakeholders involved with your sustainability strategy include:

Remaining open to their feedback, suggestions, and offers to use their resources in the process of developing a new sustainability strategy;

Seeking multiple ways to communicate your sustainability efforts besides a traditional conversation, such as with blog posts, videos, podcast, and more;

Highlighting and rewarding the accomplishments and benefits of your stakeholders and how your sustainability journey would not have been possible without their support;

Sharing success stories of previous stakeholders that contributed to previous sustainability projects with your current stakeholders for both peace of mind and to motivate them to contribute to the cause at hand;

Find new ways to make your sustainability journey relevant to your stakeholders to spur greater participation.

Overall, your stakeholders have exceptional sway over your company’s sustainability efforts – meaning it is imperative to ensure they fully understand what is at “stake” for them, and to pontificate how your sustainability initiatives could benefit them as well.

If reading this article on if sustainable countries already exist has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance with boosting supplier engagement, personalized assistance, and new ways to involve your employees.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

In this article, we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it’s extracted, and the role it could play in promoting sustainable energy solutions.

What is gold hydrogen?

Gold hydrogen, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen, is emerging as a game-changer in the pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Unlike other types of hydrogen such as green, blue, and grey hydrogen, gold hydrogen is extracted directly from underground sources where it forms naturally. This production method sets it apart by minimizing environmental impact and harnessing the untapped potential of our planet's natural resources. In this article, we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it is extracted, and whether it can truly offer a sustainable solution for the energy sector.

👉 In this article we’ll explore what gold hydrogen is, how it’s extracted, and the role it could play in promoting sustainable energy solutions. 

Gold hydrogen, sometimes referred to as white, geological, or natural hydrogen, is a naturally occurring hydrogen gas that is sourced directly from the Earth, rather than produced through industrial processes. This form of hydrogen is found in underground reservoirs (much like oil and gas) and is created by natural geological processes. Renewed interest in this natural resource has opened up new possibilities for tapping into clean energy resources that could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Gold hydrogen is different from other types of hydrogen (green, blue, grey, and pink hydrogen) because it is not produced by splitting water molecules or reforming natural gas. Instead, it is extracted from subsurface deposits where it has accumulated naturally. These deposits are often found alongside other geological materials, making them accessible using existing drilling technologies similar to those used in the oil and gas industry.

💡 The formation of gold hydrogen stems from the interaction of water with mineral-rich rocks under high pressure and temperature conditions. This process can also be influenced by natural radioactivity, which facilitates the splitting of water molecules to release hydrogen. The hydrogen gas then migrates and accumulates in porous rocks or other geological formations, resulting in concentrated deposits.

One of the key advantages of gold hydrogen is its minimal environmental impact. Since it requires no combustion or chemical processing to produce, it emits no CO2 or pollutants when extracted. This makes it a highly attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. 

Economically, gold hydrogen could also potentially be extracted at lower costs than other types of hydrogen, especially as technologies and methods for its extraction improve. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its low environmental footprint, positions gold hydrogen as a potentially transformative energy source for various sectors, including transportation, power generation, and heavy industry.

Cemvita Factory's Gold Hydrogen is a novel source of carbon neutral hydrogen produced from depleted oil reservoirs that are ready for plug and abandonment, extending the life of wells that would otherwise be a significant burden. Gold Hydrogen is produced biologically and in the subsurface.

https://www.cemvitafactory.com/gold-h...

#carbonnegative
#climatepositive

Gold Hydrogen is a Novel Source of Carbon Neutral Hydrogen

How does gold hydrogen compare to other types of hydrogen? 

Gold hydrogen stands out from other hydrogen fuels due to its natural occurrence and extraction methods, which contrast significantly with the production techniques used for other types of hydrogen:

Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power. While green hydrogen is celebrated for its zero-emission profile during production, it requires significant energy input and infrastructure, which can be costly and resource-intensive. Gold hydrogen, on the other hand, is extracted directly from natural reserves, bypassing the need for energy-intensive electrolysis, and potentially reducing overall production costs and environmental impacts.

Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas through processes like steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming, where the resulting carbon emissions are captured and stored. This approach aims to reduce the environmental impact typically associated with hydrogen production. However, it still relies on fossil fuels and involves significant infrastructure and energy to manage carbon capture and storage (CCS) effectively.

Grey hydrogen is also produced from natural gas using methods similar to those for blue hydrogen, such as steam methane reforming. The key difference is that in grey hydrogen production, the carbon emissions are not captured but released into the atmosphere, making it less environmentally sustainable. Grey hydrogen currently dominates the market but has a significant carbon footprint due to the unabated release of CO2.

Pink hydrogen is generated through the electrolysis of water using nuclear power. Similar to green hydrogen, pink hydrogen's production is energy-intensive and depends on the availability and development of nuclear infrastructure, which can have its own environmental and safety concerns. 

The extraction of gold hydrogen doesn’t require new energy for its production, which sets it apart from all other hydrogen types. This not only means lower operational costs but also a smaller ecological footprint, as the process reduces the need for large-scale industrial activities typically associated with other hydrogen productions. Furthermore, the use of existing oil and gas infrastructure for extraction can facilitate a faster and more efficient transition to hydrogen energy, repurposing old technologies for new, sustainable purposes.

Green, blue, pink, and even gold! Hydrogen gas is technically invisible but we describe it with "colorful language" depending on how it's made. Let's explore this up and coming source of clean fuels!

Check out GOLD HYDROGEN, developed by our friends at Cemvita Factory:
https://www.goldhydrogen.com/

SOURCES:
Uses of Hydrogen:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/...

Energy density of hydrogen: https://greenecon.net/solar-and-hydro...

The hydrogen color spectrum: 
 https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/...

Methane pyrolysis: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.....

#hydrogenfuel #greenhydrogen #bluehydrogen #cleanfuel

The Colors of Hydrogen

Geologists have long known that hydrogen can be produced underground through natural processes. Yet, despite this knowledge, natural hydrogen extraction wasn’t pursued commercially due to the belief that such deposits were small and rare.

This perception began to change as studies hinted at the presence of more substantial hydrogen deposits under the earth’s surface. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that a more in-depth exploration of these resources began, driven by advances in geological surveying technologies and a growing interest in alternative energy sources.

In recent years researchers have identified more sizeable pockets of natural hydrogen gas. In October 2023, for example, researchers at the French National Centre of Scientific Research uncovered a massive reservoir of natural hydrogen in northeastern France's Lorraine coal basin. This reservoir, which could contain up to 250 million tonnes of hydrogen, demonstrates the potential for substantial hydrogen deposits, comparable in energy capacity to major oil fields like the UK’s Clair field (its largest oil field).

Further discoveries have followed in regions like Spain, Mali, Namibia, Brazil, and the United States, rapidly expanding the map of potential gold hydrogen sites. These findings challenge previous assumptions and have sparked a renewed interest in the feasibility of extracting natural hydrogen on a larger scale.

A note on the role of geology and technology

Geologists play an important role in identifying potential sites for gold hydrogen extraction. The process involves detecting areas with the right geological conditions, such as the presence of iron-rich rocks or radioactive minerals capable of producing hydrogen. Modern geological surveys and technologies enable researchers to pinpoint these areas with greater accuracy, increasing the likelihood of successful extraction.

However, challenges remain in harnessing gold hydrogen. The extraction of this resource requires sophisticated technology and infrastructure, which are still under development. Moreover, the economic viability of extracting hydrogen from these natural reserves depends on the concentration of hydrogen, the depth at which it is found, and the proximity to markets where it can be used. 

The process of extracting gold hydrogen from natural underground deposits is distinct from other types of hydrogen production, mainly due to its less invasive and more environmentally friendly methods. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

The first step in extracting gold hydrogen is drilling wells into identified hydrogen-rich formations. This involves using precision drilling techniques to access the subsurface layers where hydrogen accumulates. The drilling process for gold hydrogen is similar to that used in the oil and gas industry but is typically less complex because gold hydrogen deposits are usually found under less pressure and are less volatile than oil or natural gas.

Unlike the extraction of natural gas or oil, gold hydrogen doesn’t usually require well-stimulation techniques such as hydraulic fracturing. Gold hydrogen deposits can often be accessed without the need to fracture the rock formations, which simplifies the extraction process and minimizes environmental risks. This lack of need for hydraulic fracturing reduces the potential for water contamination and geological disturbances, which are common concerns in fossil fuel extraction.

Once the gold hydrogen is accessed through drilling, it must be collected and purified. This stage is crucial to ensure the hydrogen is of high enough quality for commercial use. The collection process involves capturing the hydrogen gas as it is released from the underground formations. The hydrogen then undergoes purification processes to remove any impurities or gases that may have been present in the deposit or that were released during the drilling process. The goal is to produce pure hydrogen that meets specific purity standards for various applications, such as fuel cells or industrial use.

Despite these advantages, the extraction of gold hydrogen is not without challenges. Common issues include:

Identifying viable sources - Locating underground hydrogen deposits requires sophisticated geological surveys and technologies. As gold hydrogen is a relatively new area of exploration, developing reliable methods for identifying viable sources is ongoing.

Regulatory and safety considerations - Hydrogen is highly flammable, and extracting it safely requires strict safety and regulatory standards.

Economic viability - While potentially cheaper than other types of hydrogen production, the economic viability of extracting gold hydrogen depends on the concentration of hydrogen in natural deposits and the proximity to markets that can utilize it.

The extraction of gold hydrogen is promising but technologically demanding. As research continues and technology advances, the processes for safely and efficiently accessing this clean energy resource will likely become more refined and economically viable. This development has the potential to advance the transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future.

In France's eastern Lorraine region, scientists have uncovered vast deposits of natural hydrogen, one of the cleanest fuels in nature. The discovery could be the biggest of its kind so far, spurring a global energy race for the fuel of the future. The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.

Read more about this story in our article: https://f24.my/A39O.y

🔔 Subscribe to France 24 now: https://f24.my/YTen
🔴 LIVE - Watch FRANCE 24 English 24/7 here: https://f24.my/YTliveEN

🌍 Read the latest International News and Top Stories: https://www.france24.com/en/

Like us on Facebook: https://f24.my/FBen
Follow us on X (Twitter): https://f24.my/Xen
Browse the news in pictures on Instagram: https://f24.my/IGen
Discover our TikTok videos: https://f24.my/TKen
Get the latest top stories on Telegram: https://f24.my/TGen

Could natural hydrogen discovered in France be the fuel of the future? • FRANCE 24 English

Gold hydrogen, with its environmentally friendly extraction process, presents potential opportunities across various sectors, including: 

Gold hydrogen could be used to generate clean electricity. In fuel cells, gold hydrogen has the potential to produce electricity without combustion, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This feature makes it an excellent option for power generation in regions aiming to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. Moreover, it could be used to provide a reliable power supply in remote or off-grid areas, supporting decentralized energy systems.

There is potential for gold hydrogen to revolutionize the transportation sector, especially for heavy-duty and long-haul vehicles where electric batteries may not be practical. Hydrogen fuel cells could power buses, trucks, trains, and even ships, reducing reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels. This application could significantly lower the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.

In industries requiring high-grade heat or high energy demands, such as steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing, gold hydrogen could serve as a reducing agent or be burned directly to provide heat, potentially replacing coal and natural gas. This application is critical for carbon-intensive industries that are struggling to decarbonize their operations and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

As a transitional solution, gold hydrogen could be mixed with natural gas and supplied through existing gas infrastructure, gradually increasing the proportion of hydrogen to achieve lower emissions from residential and commercial heating systems. Known as ‘hydrogen-enriched natural gas’, this blend could help transition towards a fully hydrogen-powered system.

What are the pros and cons of gold hydrogen? 

Gold hydrogen is hailed as a promising solution for advancing toward a sustainable and low-carbon future, but like any energy source, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. In this section, we’ll examine the various advantages and disadvantages of this potential energy source. 

Environmental benefits - Gold hydrogen is extracted from natural deposits and does not require the burning of fossil fuels, resulting in significantly lower carbon emissions.


Use of existing infrastructure - The technology and processes needed for extracting gold hydrogen are similar to those used in the oil and gas industries. This allows for the repurposing of existing infrastructure and expertise, which can accelerate the deployment of gold hydrogen technologies and reduce initial capital costs.


Energy security - By providing an additional source of clean energy, gold hydrogen can help diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on imported fuels, enhancing national energy security.


Economic opportunities - The exploration and development of gold hydrogen resources can create new jobs and stimulate economic activities. This can bring substantial economic benefits, especially to areas with declining fossil fuel industries.


Environmental impacts - Despite its benefits, the extraction of gold hydrogen could still pose environmental risks. These include potential disturbances to ecosystems from drilling activities, especially if not managed responsibly. There is also the risk of methane or other gases being released during the extraction process, which could negate some of the climate benefits.


Uncertainty of resources - While significant deposits of gold hydrogen have been identified, the overall global distribution and the feasibility of extracting these resources at scale remains uncertain. Geologists need to conduct more extensive research to understand how and where hydrogen gas forms and assess the viability of these deposits for large-scale use.


Risk of delaying other solutions - There is a concern that focusing on gold hydrogen might delay or detract from investments in other renewable energy technologies, such as solar or wind. Critics argue that it could become an excuse to slow down the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 


Potential for unintended consequences - The exploration for gold hydrogen might inadvertently lead to the discovery of new fossil fuel deposits. If not managed carefully, this could lead to increased fossil fuel extraction, contradicting the original goals of reducing carbon emissions.


Regulatory and technical challenges - Safe extraction and transport of hydrogen require stringent regulatory oversight and advanced technologies to prevent leaks and ensure safety - especially since hydrogen is highly flammable. Developing these regulations and technologies will take time and resources.


Economic viability - While potentially less expensive than other forms of hydrogen, the economic viability of extracting gold hydrogen depends heavily on the concentration and accessibility of deposits. The costs associated with exploration, drilling, and establishing safe extraction methods may prove challenging.

💡 Gold hydrogen presents an interesting option for expanding the world's renewable energy portfolio, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. However, its success will depend on overcoming scientific, technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges. As research progresses, the true potential of gold hydrogen will become clearer, helping to determine whether it can serve as a major player in the transition to a sustainable energy future or if it will remain a niche solution within the broader energy landscape. Only time and further investigation will reveal how significant a role gold hydrogen can play in our clean energy future.

Earlier this summer, scientists in northern France discovered what could be a massive deposit of the cheapest and greenest type of hydrogen.
The deposit they found is “white” hydrogen – which means it’s pure, or nearly pure.

Colours denote where hydrogen comes from and what amount of greenhouse gases are released when producing it. Other forms of hydrogen – green, blue or grey, for example – need to be separated from different compounds and can create greenhouse gases.

Nathaniel Dove has more on the discovery and what it means for the global fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/10061237/w...
Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc
Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ
Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt
Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB
#GlobalNews

White hydrogen: How its discovery could help global emissions efforts

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. Why not request a free demo with one of our experts - no obligation or commitment required. 

If reading this article has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help. Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here. 

In this article, we’ll explain what “going green” means, the benefits, why it can prove difficult, what it means for businesses, and how you or your company can start going green.

What Does “Going Green” Mean?

In today’s world, almost everyone is aware that going green could play a vital part in helping to reduce climate emissions and transition to a more sustainable global lifestyle overall – but what does going green entail?

Going green is a term used to describe people making a genuine effort to reduce their environmental impact and encourage others around them to do the same, but the nature of our society often makes it difficult for those trying to go green.

What does the term “going green” mean?

The term “going green” refers to the effort for an individual or business to become more aware of their surroundings, how their actions impact the environment, and working to adjust those actions accordingly. 

Going green is usually a decision made over time for most people, as it is difficult to alter all of your daily habits overnight to accommodate more sustainable practices.

Going green does not need to be a sacrifice, either for us as individuals or for businesses, governments and the economy.


This is the second episode of Climate Lab, a six-part series produced by the University of California in partnership with Vox. Hosted by Emmy-nominated conservation scientist Dr. M. Sanjayan, the videos explore the surprising elements of our lives that contribute to climate change and the groundbreaking work being done to fight back. Featuring conversations with experts, scientists, thought leaders and activists, the series takes what can seem like an overwhelming problem and breaks it down into manageable parts: from clean energy to food waste, religion to smartphones.  View the first episode at    • Why humans are so bad at thinking abo...    and check back next Wednesday for the next episode. Visit http://climate.universityofcalifornia... for more.

Subscribe to our channel! http://goo.gl/0bsAjO  
And check out the University of California’s channels: https://goo.gl/PhoV3G  https://goo.gl/Ec2hml 

///

The University of California is a pioneer on climate research, renewable energy and environmental sustainability. UC is dedicated to providing scalable solutions to help the world bend the curve on climate change. UC research is also paving the way for the university to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. Read more about our commitment at https://goo.gl/z2fN3O 


Follow UC on Facebook: https://goo.gl/QJZSZK 
Or on Twitter: https://goo.gl/MKFNcv 


Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com to get up to speed on everything from Kurdistan to the Kim Kardashian app. 

Check out Vox’s full video catalog: http://goo.gl/IZONyE
Follow Vox on Twitter: http://goo.gl/XFrZ5H
Or on Facebook: http://goo.gl/U2g06o

Going green shouldn't be this hard

💡Going green is often a slow, gradual process – but the good news is that many small actions can be considered a part of going green and can help to make a difference in protecting our planet and mitigating climate change.

Taking public transportation instead of driving

Using a reusable water bottle or shopping bag

Trying meatless mondays and eating more plant-based meals

Opting for sustainable packaging of your company’s products

Choosing energy efficient appliances in your home

👉 Generally, any change in behavior made in attempts to reduce the amount of waste or pollution created on you or your company’s behalf can be considered an effort to go green.

There are numerous benefits to going green for both individuals and businesses, such as helping to reduce your carbon footprint, cutting down on waste generation, and even reducing personal or business expenses.

Going green is beneficial for the planet, but it can also help to improve the quality of your own life or open up doors for new business opportunities.

Here are some of the benefits of going green:

Reduce Pollution – Going green often means making an effort to avoid taking high polluting means of transportation or engaging in activities that pollute the environment. This could include refraining from taking a road trip with a gasoline powered car until you’ve purchased an electric vehicle. Therefore, going green can have a direct impact on the amount of ozone-depleting substances, greenhouse gasses, and carbon emissions in the air – and help to reduce our air pollution and improve air quality. 

Cut Back on Waste – One of the most convenient ways for someone to start going green is for them to avoid purchasing single use plastic or using plastic on their own behalf. This means that going green can help to promote the importance of recycling and reduce the amount of unnecessary waste that usually ends up in landfills.  

Conserve Natural Resources – People who subscribe to the notion of going green will often make an effort to shut of lights when not in the room, take shorter showers, and implement the use of renewable energy or energy efficient appliances wherever possible. All of these ventures will help to conserve vital and sparse resources such as water, and also mitigate the use of more harmful resources such as fossil fuels.

Protect Vital Wildlife & Ecosystems – Going green doesn’t only help to improve the quality of your own life, but for wildlife as well! This is because many of the protocols associated with going green can help to preserve our valuable ecosystems and the species that live there – such as working to prevent deforestation by avoiding the consumption of products from brands that contribute to destroying forest and agricultural lands. 

Decarbonize your supply chain

Identify carbon-intensive suppliers and implement sustainable procurement alternatives

Why decarbonize your supply chain with Greenly ?

Specify your scope 3

Get certified

Discover Green suppliers

Action plan for suppliers

How does Supply Chain decarbonization work?

Set SBTi reduction targets for all of your suppliers

Access the largest directory of scored suppliers

Still have questions?

What advantages does a sustainable procurement policy offer ?

How is my suppliers' score determined?

How can I communicate the Greenly Assessment Process to my suppliers?

Articles about sustainable procurement

3 Mistakes to avoid in Procurement

Why is Sustainable Procurement a Competitive Advantage?

Discover our dedicated whitepaper

“Sustainable procurement at the center of your strategy”