What’s behind the CO₂ shortage?

An illustration of carbon dioxide release and capture

Source: © Gillian Blease/Ikon Images

Dependence on a single source of production left us with a deficit

Carbon dioxide is one of the most important gases in our lives and in early autumn 2021 we had both too much of it and not enough. CO2 is portrayed as the bad boy of atmospheric gases due to its contribution to global warming. But it also has many uses, from manufacturing and healthcare to food production, and there currently isn’t enough of it in the UK’s chemical supply chain. Read the article to find out the reason for the shortage and how we can develop new ways of capturing CO2 for industrial use.

Make your lessons pop

Choose an account option to continue exploring our full range of articles and teaching resources

Free

Free access for everyone, everywhere. If you only need a few resources, start here.


What's included

  • One free teaching resource each month
  • Five free Education in Chemistry articles each month
  • Personalised email alerts and bookmarks