How to Live More Sustainably

 Earth Day is on April 22nd each year. Do you have any traditions to celebrate it?

With the recent passing of Earth Day it made me think of ways I could celebrate the Earth every day by living a more sustainable life. 

Last year was the hottest year on record. Global temperatures in 2024 were 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit above NASA's baseline which topped the previous record set in 2023. We need to act accordingly to keep that number from rising. It's time we pledge to make small changes in ALL of our lives to make big changes for the future of the Earth. 

Cut Out Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is inexpensive clothing produced quickly by clothing companies. These clothing pieces are often produced with labor intensive production methods that are unethical. These production methods are heavy carbon producing and adds to water pollution. Each time we wash these cheap clothing items we are sending microplastics into our water systems, when they are thrown away they do not degrade like normal fibers. 

Instead we should stop buying new clothing and start recycling clothing or repairing old clothing. If that isn't doable, breathable fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, and jute are better for your skin and avoid bacteria growth!

Avoid Microplastics

Microplastics are found in everything from fast fashion to toiletries. Single use plastic bottles and detergent pods do not degrade and end up polluting the land, water, and air. Microplastics can increase cancer risks and infertility issues and have been linked to DNA and cell damage.

Instead we should minimize plastic products we use and switch to glass, wood, or aluminum for our home needs. Cutting down on overprocessed foods as well as shellfish can help as well as stopping using laundry and dishwasher pods. 

Eat Less Meat

One third of greenhouse gas emissions comes from food. Red meat, dairy, and farmed shrimp are the biggest contributors to emissions and deforestation. This does not mean we have to all be vegan.

Instead reduce your consumption of red meat and eat meals rich in fruits and vegetables. Whole grains and legumes can make a huge difference in the environment. 

Compost Your Food Scraps

Americans are huge culprits of food waste. The EPA estimates that 25% of our landfills are food waste. Landfills produce methane which traps 28 times more heat in our atmosphere than CO2. Composting takes organic waste and worms and makes magic! Composting takes organic matter and gives it back to the Earth. 

Plant Your Own Garden

Even apartments with a balcony can grow potted vegetables every year. Planting these things when the weather patters are becoming increasingly more unstable can ensure a constant nutrient rich food source. This can also reduce the carbon footprint created by commercial farming practices!

It's hard for one person to make a big difference but just a small difference made by a lot of people will!

Increased Climate-Driven Droughts May Actually Lead to Heavier Rain

 The title is not clickbait and I will explain why

Droughts leading to heavier rain events sounds paradoxical but it is true. Before I dive into my explanation though, I will elaborate on some of the mechanisms that drive precipitation events.

Formation of Precipitation

Precipitation occurs when moisture is elevated by wind currents, evaporation, or transpiration, and subsequently gathers around a 'nuclei'. The nuclei is usually a tiny particle of ice, around which water molecules can condense into a liquid form, though airborne dust particles can serve the same purpose.

The droplet is suspended in the air as long as it is small enough for the updrafts and wind currents to keep it aloft. Once the droplet accumulates enough condensation and becomes too heavy, it will plummet towards the Earth as rain, or as snow, hail, or sleet if temperatures are cold enough.

How is the blog post title not clickbait?

If rain development depends on moisture, why would drought contribute to heavier rain? It comes back to that factoid about raindrops requiring a nuclei.

When drought occurs, the Earth's surface becomes drier, plants may die off, and there's not as much moisture clinging to the dirt particles. Less moisture means they don't stick together as much, and they have less mass. As a result, the soil becomes much easier for wind to scoop particulate off of the ground and loft it into the atmosphere. (Fun fact: airborne microplastics can also facilitate condensation and cloud formation.)

More dust particulate in the air means that there's more opportunity for moisture to begin condensing. This may lead to easier cloud formation, and higher density of water droplets within those clouds. The more dense the clouds, the greater the number of droplets, and the greater amount of rain there will be to fall in a single event.

Now, heavier rains may sound like a good thing at first, especially in relation to drought-stricken areas, but it is not so.

When the atmospheric dust can hold back more water droplets at a given time, that contributes to longer periods between bouts of precipitation. Additionally, when the atmosphere does finally relinquish its stored precipitation, a greater amount of rain falls all at once. As the ground often can't absorb a ton of water if it all comes at once, that heavier rain leads to flash floods, which can actually damage and contaminate water sources, not to mention damage property.

As the Earth steadily heats up, this will inevitably lead to more intense droughts, which can fuel the issue of atmospheric dust even further. A warmer atmosphere also means that the air can hold more moisture before it falls, amplifying the issue of more intense rains.

New Climate Change Book to Check Out

  Throughout this semester we have read a good number of books and stories about climate change and I wanted to look into another that we might consider in our endeavor to continue fighting the climate crisis. I came across the book What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis by Malcolm Harris. The article from the New York Times not only shares information about the book and its main points and features, but also a brief description of Malcolm Harris. I have never heard of this man or book before. Harris is author of books about the History of California and the “angst of the millennial generation.” He falls more in the left crowd politically and often the right do not agree with his ideas. In this book there are three paths that he suggests or rather explores as the title suggests. The book has suggested policy proposals to combat climate change in a way that goes for the economy. This may look like “market incentives” or “central economic planning.” The article suggests an interesting idea of Marketcrafters, who are people that believe that governmental funding and tax breaks will help combat the oil industry and make prices lower. I feel like this is over complicated in its explanation in the article and would need to read the book to find out more. 

The second part of the plan goes along with more renewable energy and forcing it into the system with government run plants. Is this a crazy idea? Perhaps, but It could make a real difference if the grid changes because of more hydro or solar power. This will make fossil fuels less needed and create less emissions in the process. The third idea suggested in this article about the book is a communist revolution. This is enough for me to be interested and wanting to know more. What might the author mean by this? What is he hiding behind those strong words? It is like the book How to Blow Up a Pipeline, the title is big and bold, but is ironically different from the actual content of the book. 

This recent novel by Malcolm Harris might be something to consider for those who are looking for a new climate crisis book to read. For those who are interested in the book and want to know more about how to purchase it, I found a link to amazon that has the hardcover for $27. 

Green Building Initiative

    This non-profit organization is determined to reinvent structures in today’s society by prioritizing sustainability and resilience. Their involvement is recognized internationally, and their mission is “to improve the built environment’s impact on climate and society.” Some of the primary objectives for each of GBI’s projects are:

1.      Reduce carbon emissions and promote the development of carbon-neutral buildings.

2.      Enhance water efficiency by reducing consumption and increasing recycling.

3.      Promote health and well-being through detailed design, construction, and sustainable building deconstruction.

4.      Practice a zero-waste goal.

5.      Utilize smart technology and buildings to pursue these goals.

6.      Quality education to foster a strong workforce.

7.      Utilize transparency to foster equity and inclusivity within communities.

8.      Report on ESG and SDG objectives to ensure positive impacts are being made.

    Civil engineering morals and obligations require all practicing engineers to prioritize sustainability and inclusion when designing infrastructure. However, GBI ensures these requirements are fully met.

    A project that was recognized by the GBI in 2022 was the Crate & Barrel Warehouse/Distribution Facility in Romeoville, Illinois. This warehouse was recognized for its variety of unique aspects that cause less environmental harm.

Environmentally friendly materials, reflective surfaces, a photovoltaic system, solar panels, and LED lighting with skylights for natural lighting were used. These systems pushed the facility to almost net-zero emissions and have one of the biggest renewable energy systems in the Midwest.

    Another building project that GBI considered an honorable mention in 2022 was the VA Clinic Multispecialty Outpatient Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility is 275,000 square feet and five stories, dedicated to helping veterans. Shading systems were installed to reduce glare and solar heat. Water
conservation measures were also implemented, like low-flow plumbing and drought-tolerant plants. Their indoor and outdoor water use reductions from baseline standards were 34.8% and 50%. Their energy use was also reduced from the baseline standards by 36%.

    Resource use can be significantly reduced through the standards that the Green Building Initiative holds for all newly constructed infrastructure. These standards will help develop a world that promotes recycling and renewable energy resources.

FEMA Denies Federal Emergency Funds for State of Washington

 Bomb cyclone scars still remain

Before speaking about the outrageous decision of FEMA, let's provide some context. In late November 2024, a perfect storm of conditions- atmospheric instability, record warm temperatures, and an in-progress atmospheric river- came together to fuel a bomb cyclone that ripped through the pacific northwest, including Washington. 

Some additional context and definitions: An atmospheric river is where the jet stream carries along an overabundance of moisture over land for an extended period of time, leading to excessive rains and storms. A bomb cyclone is an incident where an organized storm system rapidly intensifies within 24 hours, often due to a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure and added heat or moisture.

During its horrific trek through the region, the storm caused two deaths, millions of power outages, and millions of dollars in damage across several states. $34 million dollars of damage occurred in Washington alone. The increased frequency of atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones have been stated to be a result of climate change, as the necessary ingredients for powerful storms come together more frequently in a warming world.

In disasters like these, it's rare for any state to be able to muster the funds, resources, and manpower to single-handedly restore its communities back to full strength. The cost of debris removal, rebuilding supplies, resident relocation, and other functions often require millions of dollars that a stretched state budget might not be able to cover, especially when the cost to rebuild and recover inevitably exceeds the initial estimates. That's what the Federal Emergency Management Agency is for, designated for coordinating aid and funds- either in the form of reimbursements or stopgap funds- to give for states and individuals in need. 

At least, that's what it was for before the Trump administration took over. Now, that essential mission is being forgone.

Federal aid funds locked away

Not long after the rains had stopped and Washington state had completed its preliminary assessment, its governor sent in its formal request for FEMA aid. There's guidelines and minimum cost thresholds for a state to meet before it can even send in an application for emergency assistance, usually intended to keep states from using federal funding when local and state budgets are equipped to handle it on their own. Needless to say, Washington met these initial requirements.

These processes are rarely swift, unfortunately. While the initial application was submitted in late November, the case was not resolved by the time that the new administration took over the federal government and promptly turned normalcy onto its head.

As FEMA admin rifled through its paperwork left over from the last administration, they must've come across the application from Washington state and might've glanced at it for a presumed ten seconds before they made their decision. I say this because when Washington's Governor Bob Ferguson, a democrat, received the letter spelling out the denial for assistance, FEMA provided no true explanation for their reasoning in denying the funding. Only that the state's request was "not warranted", despite the state meeting all the qualifications for aid.

It's rare for FEMA to deny a call for aid from any state after such a disaster. The only other time that I can recall such a thing happening was when Trump had thrown a fit over giving proper FEMA aid to Costa Rica after it was devastated by Hurricane Maria, which sat overtop the island for days, killed at least 2,500 people (although the number is believed to be a gross underestimation), and wiped out most of its infrastructure and homes. So perhaps it's no surprise that, in the age of cost savings and efficiency obsessions, Trump and his cronies are again assuming that the livelihoods of individuals and their businesses are less important than funding tax cuts. 

Whatever the actual reason behind withholding funds may be, there is real danger in the timing of these antics. People's properties may be rotting away while they wait for assistance, people will be left without permanent housing and income for extended periods, and generally put a serious strain on state and local economies. This isn't even including the possibility of vulnerability to the next climate-fueled disaster waiting around the corner, while people don't have proper shelter, backup funds, and are subject to strained emergency services. Delays like the one FEMA is imposing on Washington for accessing essential aid will only result in wasteful and unnecessary loss.

Refreezing the Arctic

 A piece of pipe protruding from a metal cylinder hold hope for refreezing the Arctic ice. 

A group of researchers from a UK-based nonprofit, Real Ice, drilled a hole through the Arctic ice and inserted a Hydrogen pump. This pump sucks up seawater from below and spews it onto the surface. This flooding covers the ice with a thin later of water that will, overnight, freeze and thicken the ice that's already there. The thicker the ice gets, the more likely it is to hold up during the summer months. 

This dwindling landscape must be preserved. Pumping just ten inches of water onto the top of the ice can boost ice growth from the bottom thickening it for another twenty inches! This process can easily equal the lower range of older, multi-year ice which, if it can be proven on a bigger scale, could create a big gain through the winter with very little energy. 

Arctic ice reflects 80% of the sun's energy back into space. Without Arctic ice the ocean will continue to absorb heat and warm the planet. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California states that the melting of the Arctic Ice would be the equivalent warming of 25 years of CO2 emissions. 

The Arctic Ice is freezing later in the year and is thinner and thinner each year. Communities that rely on the Arctic Ice are frequently going missing from falling through the ice and are suffering from a lack of ability to hunt and fish. Wild animals, like musk ox and caribou, use the ice for migration... they are also falling through the ice and drowning. Being able to pursue research and coming up with plans to refreeze the ice would be beneficial for future generations.

There are worries of the salty sea ice melting faster in the summer months but results from current research suggest that is not a severe issue or really an issue at all. Noise seems to be more of a concern. Water noise significantly alters the behaviors of underwater sea animals, especially whales. 

We need the ice. 

Four more years of research are needed before the nonprofit organization can properly recommend the new technology. 

Building Resilience Through Empathy in Disaster Preparedness

 Building Resilience Through Empathy in Disaster Preparedness

    Natural disasters can leave communities feeling broken, both physically and emotionally. Events like Cyclone Idai remind us that disaster resilience is not just about buildings and finances it’s also about caring for each other. Understanding the feelings and needs of those affected is crucial for creating effective recovery plans. 

 Natural disasters, like Cyclone Idai, have shown us just how devastating climate change can be. In 2019, this cyclone left over 1,000 people dead and caused billions in damages across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Such events not only destroy lives and property but also have long-lasting effects on economies, especially for the poor who struggle to recover. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of these disasters, it’s crucial for vulnerable countries to develop strategies to prepare and cope. 

    Social resilience is equally important, as it ensures that emergency response plans are in place to protect critical services like water and medical care after a disaster. Countries need to identify their vulnerabilities and create a roadmap to enhance their resilience. This strategy should be based on thorough risk assessments and should complement existing disaster response plans. By doing so, countries can better position themselves to receive support from the international community.

    Collaboration is essential for creating a caring approach to disaster preparedness. Involving community members, local organizations, and governments in planning ensures that the needs of those most affected are considered. 

Climate Change and Marginalized Populations

The disproportionate effects of climate change on different groups of people is a topic that has come up in many of our class discussions. People of marginalized communities, especially people of color and people with disabilities, are more likely to face the negative effects of climate change and pollution.

Though the rest of this post is focused primarily on the impacts of climate change on people of color and disabled people, it is important to note that there are many other communities of people who are significantly affected at a concerningly different rate, such as those living in the Global South and people of low socio-economic status. It is also worth noting that both people of color and people with disabilities are more likely to have a lower socio-economic status than the rest of the population.

Climate Change is Racist

Climate change and pollution negatively impacts every person on the planet, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, etc., but that is not to say that all of those impacts are equivalent. People of color, especially black and African-American people, are significantly more likely to face the direct impacts and negative effects of global warming, pollution, and severe weather than anybody else. In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published findings from a report that Black and African American individuals in the United States are 40% more likely to live in areas that have the highest projections for extreme heat increases. If global warming reaches 4°C, that percentage is expected to 59%. Additionally, a 2017 survey found that African-American people were 75% more likely to live in areas that are near hazardous waste facilities. 

As much as I wish I was surprised by the blatantly disproportionate effects of climate change on people of color, history has proven that racial discrimination runs rampant in the United States. It is no surprise that climate change is not an exception to this fact. The statistics provided above already paint a horrific picture, but they are only a few of many concerning numbers. For example, a 2018 report noted that Black Americans 1.5 times as much sooty pollution in comparison to the general population.

Climate Change is Ableist

Another group of people that are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution are people with disabilities. Disabled people face many accessibility challenges in our society, but these challenges are exacerbated by the effects of global warming. Climate change has already caused an influx in heat-related deaths, even amongst physically healthy people. There are many disabilities in which extreme temperatures, especially heat, trigger a reaction, flare-up, or worsening of symptoms (such as for chronic conditions like POTS). The ever-increasing frequency of heatwaves put disabled populations, not to mention other heat-vulnerable populations, such as elderly people and young children, at risk to be disproportionately affected. 

The increased frequency and severity of natural disasters also poses further risk to populations of disabled people. People with disabilities, regardless of whether they are physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities, often face barriers with finding accessible transportation or emergency shelters when needing to evacuate or experience long-term social isolation. 

Climate Solutions: The Rise of Climate Justice

 As the world continues to fight back against the escalating impacts of climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that technical solutions are not enough. A transformative approach from the systematic level that addresses economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the crisis. Climate justice takes this approach as a powerful framework that not only confronts the root causes of climate change but also promotes equity and accountability in the fight for a sustainable future. 

At its core, climate justice recognizes that climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human rights issue. ​​The concept is commonly used to highlight the unequal share of responsibility that different countries and communities have had for causing the climate crisis throughout history. It suggests that the countries, industries, businesses, and people that have become wealthy from emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases have a responsibility to help those affected by climate change, particularly the most vulnerable countries and communities, who often are the ones that have contributed least to the crisis, (UNDP Climate Promise, 2023). Aspects of climate justice explain the groups most affected by climate impacts: women, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, low-income countries and families, and children and young people. Climate justice calls for these communities to be placed at the forefront of climate action rather than being pushed to the margins.

One of the ways climate justice serves as a solution to climate change is by challenging the systems that created and continue to fuel that crisis. For centuries, extractive industries and exploitative economic models have prioritized profits over people and the planet. Climate justice calls for a shift away from fossil fuel dependency and toward systems of energy and resources that are democratic, regenerative, and community-led. Young climate leaders and international organizations are working toward this transformative future. In 2022, the UN General Assembly declared that access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a universal human right. It is expected to catalyze action to empower ordinary people to hold their governments accountable. This transition will help to reduce carbon emissions while fostering local resilience and redistributing power to historically marginalized groups. 

Moreover, climate justice emphasizes inclusive policy-making. Solutions developed without community input often fail to address the specific needs and realities of those on the frontlines of climate change. For example, a top-down approach to renewable energy infrastructure might ignore land rights or displace local residents. In contrast, climate justice advocates for participatory processes that respect cultural practices, protect livelihoods, and ensure equitable and effective solutions. In 2019, the Maryland State Senate passed a bill that appropriated $7 million in clean energy funding specifically for small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned clean energy businesses and offers grants to clean energy employers that sponsor registered apprentices and utilize Project Labor Agreements. This policy action, as well as many more, creates more robust, adaptable systems that are better suited to handle climate challenges. 

Another key aspect of climate justice is the principle of reparative action. Wealthier nations and corporations have historically contributed the most greenhouse gas emissions. Climate justice holds these entities accountable and calls for them to fund adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions. The Washington State Senate implemented a bill in 2021 that required improved air quality in communities disproportionately overburdened by pollution and directed a minimum of 35% of carbon pricing revenues to such communities. Additionally, the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill in 2021 that required the Department of Environmental Action to evaluate environmental and public health stressors of certain facilities on overly impeded communities when reviewing certain permit applications. These examples demonstrate how climate justice can be translated into concrete policies that address past harms while promoting a more equitable and sustainable future.

Finally, climate justice expands the conversation to include intergenerational equity. Yale’s program on Climate Change Communication (2025) conducted a survey that found only about one-third of Americans have heard of climate justice, but after reading a description of its goals, many more Americans support climate justice (53%) than oppose it (19%). This suggests that increasing awareness and education around climate justice can play a significant role in building public support for long-term, inclusive climate solutions. Framing climate action as a moral responsibility to both current and future generations, climate justice promotes a deeper sense of urgency and shared accountability across society.

In conclusion, climate justice is a crucial solution to combating the worsening effects of climate change globally. It is a central, solutions-driven approach that addresses inequality, empowers communities, and promotes systemic change. Despite the challenges, climate justice is on the rise, which encourages hope to achieve a sustainable future for generations of communities to come. 

Anything but Gasoline

When looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint, people say taking public transportation or walking to work would be a great way to start. As of 2025, there are 1.644 billion cars in the world and 17% of those are in the United States. Because of this, cars and transportation are a huge contributor to climate change and global warming. 

Gasoline isn’t our only option

Cars do not have to run on gasoline only! There are plenty of alternatives that are more environmentally friendly and will still get us to where we need to be. 

CNG - Compressed Natural Gas

CNG is basically methane stored at an extremely high pressure. This, while it’s not perfect, could be a step in the right direction. It is known for being a cleaner burning and it’s safer to handle and transport. 

Pros:

• Improves life of lubricating oils within engine

• Easier to mix with air

• Produces less CO2, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.

Cons:

• Storing takes more space than typical gas tank

• Needs to be stored under pressure which means car could explode (chance is minimal)

Biomass-derived Methane

Methane doesn’t have to be extracted from natural reserves, it can be obtained by fermenting biomass making this a renewable resource. 

Pros: 

• Can be used in Otto cycle combustion engines

• Reduces harmful oxides into the atmosphere

Cons:

• The process cannot produce nearly as much as it could from natural reserves

Hydrogen

This is the most promising alternative fuel because it is known to easily ignite. It also allows for a leaner fuel mixture to be run. 

Pros:

• Can be generated from water

• Improves the engines efficiency

• Cleaner and more complete burn since ignition temperature is lower

• Releases less pollutants into our atmosphere

• John Hansen says there is a 2 to 1 advantage in per mile fuel costs compared to gas engines.

Cons:

• Can have premature ignition causing backfiring

• More needs to be stored and at a high pressure

• Has to be created by electrolyzing water which is expensive and complex

Water

A water engine signifies a potential shift away from hydrogen as a primarily green fuel. There are two kinds of engine systems that could be used when working with water, the water-cooling system and the dual injection system. 

Water Cooling System:

Aizaz Khan writes, “By circulating water through the engine block and cylinder head, the system efficiently dissipates the immense heat from the combustion chambers. This cooling mechanism allows the use of lighter materials, such as aluminum, thereby reducing the vehicle’s overall weight and enhancing efficiency by permitting higher engine revs.”

Dual Injection System: 

He also writes, “This system ensures optimal combustion regulation across all engine speeds. Direct injection involves delivering hydrogen directly into the cylinder, achieving complete combustion at higher engine speeds. This method ensures that a leaner hydrogen charge is supplied only when needed, maximizing efficiency and reducing emissions.”

Pros: 

• Greater combustion and thermal efficiency

• Generates nearly zero emissions

Cons: 

• Still expensive to use the electrolyzed hydrogen
  
  

Stanley Meyer was the first to invent the water powered car. After 20 years of research and dedication, he was able to convert tap water into enough hydrogen power that he said he drove from one side of the country to the other promising a future of non-polluting vehicles. This vehicle was created to be able to run on any water, tap, well, garden hose, and even salt water. In 1996, he demonstrated his invention.

On March 21st, 1998, Meyer was having lunch with his stepbrother and two potential Belgian investors when he took a sip of his cranberry juice, clutched his throat, and ran outside. His last words before passing away was “They poisoned me.” The coroner's report stated that he had died from a cerebral aneurysm. “Stephen Meyer insists his brother was murdered. After all, Meyer’s invention posed an incalculable threat to billions of oil industry dollars and untold fortunes, and he’d successfully resisted succumbing to numerous buyout offers. Additionally, the inventor had warded off pressure from numerous overseas visitors and weathered persistent government spying operations. And, perhaps not so strangely, those investors who dined with the Meyer brothers on that fateful day declined to offer so much as a condolence following Meyer’s demise.” Tasha Shayne wrote.

To learn more about Stanley Meyer’s death and how his waterpower car worked, please visit here and here.

There are many other alternative fuels that people have tried to run cars on that are not as common or as reliable. Some examples are: 

• Sawdust

• Nuclear energy

• Wood

• Ammonia

Hydrogen powered cars

There are currently 17,000 or fewer hydrogen powered cars in the U.S. and all of them are in California. Electric vehicles are on the rise to bring down carbon emissions but not many people know about hydrogen cars and why they are important.

So, what is a hydrogen car? How does it work? 

“A hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV for short) uses the same kind of electric motor to turn the wheels that a battery-electric car does. But it's powered not by a large, heavy battery but by a fuel-cell stack in which pure hydrogen (H2) passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen (O2) from the air, producing the electricity that turns the wheels plus water vapor. What this means is that a fuel-cell vehicle is technically a series hybrid, which is why they are sometimes classified as fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEV).” (John Voelcker)

What kinds of cars are hydrogen cars? 

Since 2015, there have been three car companies that have offered these cars, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, and Toyota Mirai. Although Honda has ended the production of all Clarity models, they are releasing a new hydrogen vehicle this year: the Honda CR-V e:FCEV. Toyota is the most devoted to hydrogen power as an alternative fuel having sold around 14,300 Mirai sedans. 

Are Hydrogen cars safe?

These cars are widely considered to be as safe as any other car. Like a regular gasoline car, the hydrogen high pressure tanks are designed to withstand even the highest-speed crashes. While skeptics will reference the Hindenburg explosion of 1937, no injuries or deaths specific to hydrogen components have been recorded. 

How can Hydrogen cars help solve the climate crisis?

Electric vehicles aren't the answer!! Yes, they may be “greener” by not contributing to emissions when running but that doesn’t mean they are green. Lithium-ion batteries which are used to power these electric vehicles are hard to recycle which adds to our preexisting e-waste issue. The materials to make these batteries also require mining, especially for cobalt, which contributes to the hazardous residues that are released into the environment. Smelting is also required to access these materials which can emit sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. EV is not the answer! 

Hydrogen vehicles operate the same way an EV does, but their emissions are exclusively water vapor. Emissions can also be cut in transportation since hydrogen can be produced locally. They have a longer lifespan in range and in years. The hydrogen car has a minimum of 300 miles whereas an EV can just barely make that at 100% battery. 

Unfortunately, they are the most expensive option out of the entire market but isn’t it worth it? 

To learn more about how it works, what it’s like behind the wheel, how to fuel, the costs, and servicing Hydrogen powered cars, please visit here and here and here.