How CCUS can solve global emissions challenge

In this International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (#WorldOzoneDay), let’s remember: Decades ago, science, industry, and policy united — and reversed a global crisis. The ozone layer shields Earth from harmful UV rays—guarding ecosystems, crops, and human health. #Science identified chemicals in the 20th century depleting it. Thanks to Vienna Convention & Montreal Protocol (Ozone) Secretariat, over 99% of those substances have been phased out, with projections showing full recovery by the 2060s. This success story shows what global collaboration and innovation can achieve. Today, we face another urgent task: curbing greenhouse gas emissions ( #GHG) to slow climate change. Many industries can take cues from the ozone effort: ·      Phasing out high-impact emissions, ·      Designing systems for efficiency and reuse, ·      Aligning science, regulation, and innovation for sustainable progress. The #ozone story is proof: when industry leads with #innovation, recovery is possible.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗡𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 –winning breakthrough in Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) represents a transformative leap in humanity’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation.   One of the most pressing crises facing human civilization today is the buildup of harmful greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂ in the atmosphere. This accumulation drives global warming, triggers extreme weather events, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens food and water security. MOFs offer a practical, scalable solution by selectively capturing CO₂ directly from industrial emissions or even from ambient air, preventing it from entering or remaining in the atmosphere. Once captured, this CO₂ can be stored safely or converted into useful products such as fuels, chemicals, or construction materials — effectively turning waste into value. Moreover, MOFs’ versatility extends beyond carbon capture. Their ability to harvest water from dry air provides a pathway to address water scarcity in arid regions, further supporting sustainable human survival. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡. #Susumu Kitagawa #Richard Robson #Omar M.Yaghi

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – September 16 “Healing the sky, cooling the planet.” Ozone Day marks the global pact that worked: the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which phased out ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, halons, HCFCs) and set the ozone layer on a recovery path. In 2016, the Kigali Amendment extended this success to HFCs—not ozone-destroyers, but powerful greenhouse gases—linking ozone protection with climate action. Proclaimed by the UN in 1994, the day celebrates science, cooperation, and policy that delivered. Why It Matters Planetary Health (GS3): Ozone shields life from UV-B; recovery averts skin cancer, cataracts, crop loss, and ecosystem damage. Policy That Works: Universal treaty, binding targets, tech transfer, and the Multilateral Fund = a rare environmental success story. Climate Co-benefits: Kigali HFC phase-down could avoid up to ~0.4°C warming by 2100. Industry & Jobs: Accelerates efficient, climate-friendly cooling—big for India’s energy security and Make-in-India manufacturing. UPSC Relevance: Treaties, MEAs, SDGs, environmental governance, sustainable cooling roadmaps. 🌍 Global & Historical Context 1987: Montreal Protocol signed; dynamic “adjustment” mechanism keeps it science-aligned. 1994: UNGA declares Sept 16 as Ozone Day. 2016: Kigali Amendment adds HFC phase-down schedules. Today: Ozone layer is on track to recover over coming decades; vigilance needed as legacy gases persist 50–100 years. 2024 Theme: “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.” #EnliteIAS #OzoneDay #MontrealProtocol #KigaliAmendment #OzoneLayer #ClimateAction #UPSC #IAS #CivilServices #IASCoaching #UPSCPreparation #UPSCAspirants 

The continued recovery of the ozone layer is proof that “progress is possible when guided by science and united in action,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday, marking the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. According to the latest bulletin from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the ozone hole in 2024 was smaller than in recent years, with natural atmospheric conditions contributing to lower depletion levels. More importantly, the long-term trend remains strongly positive, placing the ozone layer on track for full recovery by the middle of this century. Once considered humanity’s most urgent environmental threat, ozone loss highlighted the dangers of unchecked industrial activity. The ozone layer, a region of Earth’s stratosphere, shields life from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without it, risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage would rise sharply. The turning point came in the 1970s when scientists discovered that widely used chemicals—chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—were destroying ozone molecules. These substances, found in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire-fighting foams, aerosol cans, and even hairsprays, triggered global concern. The scientific warnings spurred unprecedented cooperation. The 1985 Vienna Convention and the 1987 Montreal Protocol established binding commitments to phase out ozone-depleting substances. Today, over 99% of these chemicals have been eliminated from global production and consumption. “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer — guided by science, united in action,” Guterres said. “The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success. Today, the ozone layer is healing. This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible.” Environmental experts emphasize that the ozone success story should inspire stronger action on climate change, showing that global cooperation can reverse environmental damage when political will and science align.

🔬 World Ozone Day – 16 September 2025 Theme: “From Science to Global Action” 🌍 The ozone layer (O₃), sitting in the stratosphere ~15–35 km above Earth, absorbs ~97–99% of harmful UV-B radiation. Without this protective blanket, we’d face higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immune systems, and reduced crop yields. But by the late 20th century, human-made chemicals were tearing holes in it: CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) used in refrigerants, propellants, and foams Halons in fire extinguishers HCFCs as “temporary” replacements These compounds are stable in the troposphere, but in the stratosphere, UV light breaks them down—releasing chlorine (Cl·) and bromine (Br·) radicals. Each radical can destroy thousands of ozone molecules through catalytic cycles. 💡 The Montreal Protocol (1987) changed the game. By phasing out ozone-depleting substances, it has prevented millions of cases of cancer and eye disease, while also avoiding gigatons of CO₂-equivalent emissions (since many CFCs are also potent greenhouse gases). 📈 Current status (2025): The ozone layer is on track to recover to 1980 levels by around 2040 globally, and by 2066 over Antarctica. HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), while ozone-friendly, are potent greenhouse gases—hence the Kigali Amendment (2016) aims to phase them down too. 👉 Key takeaway: The ozone story proves that chemistry + policy + global cooperation = measurable impact. It’s one of the best examples of science driving international environmental success. As chemical engineers, scientists, and global citizens, our next challenge is applying the same urgency and unity to the climate crisis. 🌱 #WorldOzoneDay #MontrealProtocol #Sustainability #ChemicalEngineering #ClimateAction

CSIR-NEERI organized a Brainstorming Session on “Development of India-Specific Emission Factors for Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from the Indian Waste Sector for Biennial Transparency Reports and National Communications” on 22 September 2025. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), New Delhi, along with experts from CSIR-NEERI participated in the deliberations. The session focused on improving GHG emission estimates from the waste sector through better methodologies, granular databases, and strengthened institutional arrangements. The program began with a welcome by Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, followed by remarks from Dr. Sharath Kumar Pallerla, Scientist G, NATCOM Cell & IPCC, MoEF&CC, who stressed the need for India-specific emission factors. Dr. Debishree Khan, Sr. Scientist and Er. M. Karthik, Sr. Principal Scientist presented the roadmap and approach for the upcoming Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) and the Fourth National Communication, while Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Sr. Principal Scientist highlighted GHG monitoring and measurement protocols. Dr. Ajay Raghava, Scientist E, MoEF&CC, emphasized aligning national inventories with UNFCCC requirements. The session concluded with remarks by Dr. M. P. Patil, CSIR-NEERI, underscoring the need for collaboration, long-term databases, and sustained efforts. The officials also visited the Fly Ash Dump Site Rejuvenation Project at Koradi, led by Dr. Lal Singh, Principal Scientist which demonstrated sustainable restoration practices. @MoEFCC @UNFCCC CSIR India

𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻: 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿 by US Biochar Initiative The buildup of #greenhousegases in the #atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (#CO2), contributes to #climatechange. As a result, #governments, #internationalagencies, and major #corporations are prioritizing its #removal from the #atmosphere. There are two #options for #carbonremoval: one uses technology (such as “direct air carbon capture”) and the other method includes “nature-based strategies,” which are the focus of this fact sheet. Research shows that #biochar, a #naturebased strategy, has enormous potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere as part of an overall climate change #mitigation strategy (#Lehmann et al. 20061). In 2022, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted a variety of promising #strategies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere with biochar cited as a very important pathway. Made from waste #biomass such as crop residues, saw dust, or forest slash piles, biochar removes carbon at a significantly lower cost than #technologybased options.

Discover the groundbreaking work of Reactive Surfaces, whose innovations in surface science span from #infectionprevention to #carboncapture. Explore how their research and technologies are shaping safer spaces and a more sustainable future: 🧪 ProteCoat™: Non-toxic antimicrobial coating A safer, non-leaching solution to reduce surface transmission in hospitals and public spaces. 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/eX8pRayH 🌱 Carbon capture surfaces in agriculture Supporting Canada’s farmers while driving climate goals. 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/g3rk47gD 🌍 How carbon capture surfaces can help the planet Examining global potential for this technology in the fight against climate change. 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/gTJrFyAE ⚙️ CO₂ removal technology explained A deep dive into the technical and policy aspects of CCS as high-quality carbon removal. 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/gYTqbGu3

🌍 21 September – Zero Emission Day This global initiative reminds us to give our planet “one day off” each year by reducing fossil fuel use and reflecting on the impact of carbon emissions on air quality and climate change. In tune with the European Green Deal and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, PARC is driving innovation to safeguard both human health and the environment: ✔ Developing the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) toolbox to guide industry in creating safer chemicals and materials from the start, reducing emissions at the source. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d9_at7KR ✔ Conducting human biomonitoring studies to measure population exposure to contaminants and assess how effective EU policies are in reducing risks. Building on HBM4EU, PARC brings new insights to support stronger decisions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dzy-BS_3 ✔ Creating an Early Warning System (EWS) that combines big data, meteorological information, and AI to anticipate emerging chemical risks and alert decision-makers and the public. Discover how: https://lnkd.in/dzWmqSza By translating science into policy and practice, PARC contributes directly to Europe’s zero-pollution ambition. Let’s celebrate Zero Emission Day by reaffirming our collective commitment to a healthier planet 🌱. #EU_PARC #ZeroEmissionDay #ZeroPollution #EuropeanGreenDeal #Sustainability #ChemicalSafety #ScienceToPolicy #EUScience

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁? As engineers, we do mass balance calculations. Carbon can only exist in two places: underground (where we dug it up) or in the atmosphere (where it's heating the planet). We moved thousands of gigatonnes from ground to air through industrialization. Now we need to reverse that flow. Here's the contrarian take: Algae absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere to grow: 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ captured for every tonne of algae biomass. If we make our plastics, textiles, and building materials from this algae instead of fossil fuels, then landfill becomes carbon sequestration. Every algae-based product we bury is atmospheric CO₂ we'll lock away for thousands of years. The math is compelling. With 10 billion people wanting more stuff as the world gets more prosperous, consumption could become our climate solution instead of our climate problem. We just need to make it from CO₂ and bury it properly afterward. 𝗠𝘆 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽-𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲: "Engineering Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis: A New Take on Recycling" I break down the mass balance math, explain why our landfill prejudice might be more nuanced, and show how Australia could lead this transformation. Link in comments 👇