Ammonia as carbon-free fuel risks nitrogen pollution: systemic nitrogen cycle management needed
Original framing: “Ammonia as a clean fuel: 'Do not create a new nitrogen problem,' says researcher” — Phys.org
Scientific research on nitrogen cycles highlights the risks of ammonia as a fuel, particularly its contribution to NOx emissions and eutrophication. However, current models often fail to account for the full lifecycle of nitrogen in energy systems, including agricultural and industrial feedbacks.
The push for ammonia as a carbon-free fuel risks repeating the mistakes of the Green Revolution by ignoring the broader nitrogen cycle.
Indigenous knowledge, historical precedents, and scientific evidence all point to the need for integrated nitrogen and carbon policies. By incorporating regenerative agriculture, closed-loop technologies, and cross-cultural perspectives, we can avoid creating new environmental crises. The trickster lens reveals the absurdity of solving one problem while creating another, urging a more holistic and inclusive approach to energy and food systems. This synthesis calls for systemic redesign that respects ecological limits and diverse knowledge systems.