What’s carbon dioxide got to do with it?

By Neil Goalby2021-10-12T06:25:00

Source: © Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Examining the role that CO₂ plays in the supermarket’s empty shelves

Shortages of meat, frozen food and fizzy drinks in autumn 2021 are consequences of a lack of carbon dioxide. CO₂ puts the fizz into fizzy drinks, provides a protective atmosphere for packing meat and is used in frozen food production and slaughterhouses. It’s usually supplied to these industries as a by-product from ammonia manufacture, but that’s been disrupted by the rising price of ammonia.

This article and accompany classroom resource explain the shortages in this context and the role of the Haber process. Suitable for 14–16 science students.

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