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Hydrogen’s Role: Pragmatic Reality

Hydrogen is frequently (and perennially) lauded as a versatile tool with the potential to decarbonize a wide range of industries and end-use activities. However, a more nuanced view is needed. While hydrogen has a critical role to play in the energy transition, its capabilities are often overstated. A strategic approach is necessary, focusing on areas where hydrogen is truly indispensable and avoiding its deployment where better alternatives exist.

Currently, over 96% of hydrogen production comes from fossil fuels, resulting in significant carbon emissions (Eloffy et al. 2022...

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Microplastics releases to the Canadian environment are tiny

Research at University of Waterloo has quantified sources and flows of microplastics in Canada that are released to the environment. The 2023 masters thesis by Cassandra Sherlock examined tire wear, paint degradation, clothes washing and other sources of microplastic generation (particles smaller than 5 mm). The method of materials flow analysis was used to track flows from source to release and estimate loads into different environmental compartments. Tire wear accounts for the majority of the load. The total amount works out to about 1.5 kg of microplastic release per person per year...

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Industry, Issues & Tools: The IIT framework for environment and business

I developed this simple framework while consulting in the late 1990s. IIT became a first step in the screening of a new opportunity or a new client relationship. Today I teach it to undergraduate students, to encourage them to understand the world and to find their professional pathway.

IIT framework is a useful shortcut to categorize and analysis problems and opportunities, and to frame discussions around business and sustainability. Each of three components gives a dimension for considering problems and solutions for companies:

 

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