Written by Ben L. (KIS'24)
━━ Nov 17, 2023━━
Global warming and the destructive effects that come with it have periled the Earth for years. In a time during which it feels that not enough is being done about climate change. The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and profound, encompassing extreme weather events, rising sea levels, disrupted ecosystems, and threats to food and water security. These effects, once regarded as abstract scenarios, have now become stark realities, impacting communities worldwide. Moreover, the unequal distribution of these burdens amplifies existing inequalities, leaving vulnerable populations more susceptible to devastation.
Noah McQueen is the Co-Founder and Head of Research of Heirloom, a carbon capture technology company working to remove carbon dioxide directly from the air. Noah will share his perspectives on the market forces driving DAC technology development, what sets Heirloom apart, and how recent federal efforts can provide a big boost to American companies like Heirloom that are looking to play a leading role in decarbonization.
Noah has researched the development of and process intensification for a novel land-based enhanced weathering process using magnesium oxide (MgO) and/or calcium oxide (CaO), including novel methodologies to enhance carbonation rates. Noah has also done techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of carbon capture and negative emissions systems, specifically direct air capture and carbon mineralization. In addition, they have experience in carbon mineralization process development and optimization utilizing natural and industrial alkalinity sources.
Many other companies are also fighting global climate change in their own ways. Industrial companies such as Ingersoll Rand provide mission-critical air, fluid, energy, and medical technologies, and introduce provisional services and solutions to increase industrial productivity and efficiency.
The industrial manufacturer has already avoided 6.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, approximately equivalent to the energy consumption of all households in a city the size of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the US. "We take this matter seriously, and we assess it on a quarterly basis. I can confirm that, up to 2016, we are either on track or ahead of schedule to meet our 2020 targets," stated Jeffrey Moe, Global Director of Product Advocacy at Ingersoll Rand's Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.
Ingersoll Rand is already halfway towards accomplishing its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its refrigerants portfolio by 50% by 2020, based on a 2013 baseline. The company has also succeeded in reducing its own GHG emissions by 16%, working towards its target of a 35% reduction by 2020. In support of its climate efforts, the company has allocated $500 million for investments in new products and solutions.
Regarding its global impact, Moe highlighted that Ingersoll Rand's emissions target for its refrigerants portfolio could lead to a "4-8% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions within this industry alone. "Imagine if we had half a dozen companies in various sectors—transportation, food production, and delivery—following our lead. These six companies could truly contribute to changing the world and mitigating climate change."
Such companies are integral participants in the collective effort to mitigate climate change. Their actions can catalyze broader systemic change and inspire other industries to follow suit. As demonstrated by the commitment of Ingersoll Rand, Heirloom, and many other private companies, commitment, these corporations, mighty or small, have the potential to wield substantial influence, potentially resulting in substantial reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. The problems associated with global warming demand the engagement and leadership of private companies. Beyond ethical obligations, it is in their enlightened self-interest to do so, as they play a pivotal role in forging a sustainable and resilient future for us all. It is through the concerted efforts of both public and private sectors that we can hope to mitigate the gravest threats of our time.
━━━━━━━━
Credits:
Heirloom. (n.d.). https://www.heirloomcarbon.com/
Spotlight on DAC with Noah McQueen of Heirloom. Wharton Energy Network. (n.d.).
https://www.whartonenergy.com/spotlight_noahmcqueen
5 multinationals stepping up on climate action. (n.d.). We Are Still In. Retrieved November 17,
2023, from https://www.wearestillin.com/news/5-multinationals-stepping-climate-action
━━━━━━━━
Comments