At the end of 2018 - good news to curb CO2 emissions

It is well know that powders like finely divided carbon, silica, etc can adsorb gaseous matter on their surface to a great extent.

Professor Zhongwei Chen, at the University of Waterloo in Canada has developed optimized carbon powders (spheres) to absorb carbon dioxide, which is the main gaseous emission which is linked to the on-going climate change.  Work is going on to further increase the efficiency of the adsorption process by increasing the size and concentration of pores on the carbon material. Carbon is cost effective, environmental friendly and can be used in any shape and size, like columns.

The ultimate use is to employ the material at the carbon dioxide discharge lines of fossil fuel burning power plants to capture the CO2 gas. After saturation, the carbon can be stored deep underground, at geological formations to prevent its escape into the environment – in competition to disposal of high level radioactive waste in geological formations! 

The system needs to be developed in massive industrial scale to make any significant effect to control climate change. Better option still will be to exploit solar power or wind power to a much larger extent.  It is well know that powders like finely divided carbon and silica can adsorb gaseous matter on their surface to a great extent.

Use of chemical weapons

As per the Geneva Protocol 1925, the use of chemical weapons, through the implementation of the provisions of the “CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION, STOCKPILING AND USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION 2005” is prohibited world-wide as a method of warfare for the benefit of mankind.

There are many toxic chemicals /gases which can create devastation/death in areas where the chemical weapons are used. However, chemicals are used often by some governments and other terror organizations to strike terror and induce fear amongst the public at large.  Often, we hear of accidental toxic gas leak causing death of people in the vicinity. Recently, in Douma, Syria chemical weapon was used and so many deaths.  

It is time that the UNSC urgently step-in and enforce the provisions /obligations of the Convention in letter and spirit and ensure that the chemical weapons are never used as a means of warfare or civil war to destroy population groups. The incidents of use of chemicals/chemical weapons should be investigated by UN authorities. Adequate resources for monitoring and for providing medical care for affected should be provided by the rich nations.