What role should technology play in ending the climate crisis?

Scientists have been saying for a long time that humankind needs to stop burning fossil fuels. When those fuels are burned, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released to join the gaseous blanket that envelops the earth. The function of the blanket keeps the earth from getting too cold, but now it makes the world too hot.

The world needs to move away from oil and gas and use instead renewable fuels like solar, geothermal and wind.

At the same time, technologies do exist to help mitigate climate change which the fossil fuel industry says is the solution to climate change. One of them is the particulate gas filter, which is found in the exhaust system of diesel-power automobiles, but also in some gas burning cars. Its task is to catch and clean harmful particulate matter which cause respiratory problems and contribute to air pollution.

Within the filter’s core lies a labyrinth of porous ceramic or metal channels. As exhaust gasses pass through these channels, they capture and confine particulate matter, which includes soot, ash and other solid byproducts generated during the combustion process.

Over time, the collected particulate matter can accumulate, leading to a regenerative cleaning process. There are two primary methods of regeneration:

Passive regeneration naturally occurs during regular driving as the exhaust gasses heat up. The elevated temperature aids in the combustion of the trapped soot, gradually reducing particulate matter levels. Active regeneration occurs in situations where passive regeneration falls short — common in short city trips, for instance. When stimulated, the engine management system intervenes. It injects fuel into the exhaust stream, raising temperatures and initiating the controlled burning of accumulated soot.

Over time, the particulate gas filter can become clogged with soot and ash, requiring cleaning or replacement to ensure continued effectiveness. Filters can be purchased for $50 to $100 and should be replaced every 6 months.

Since 2009, regulations in many countries have mandated that manufacturers of diesel cars must equip those cars with gas particulate filters. Europe introduced EU6 regulations and China introduced China 6 regulations with specific particle limit for gasoline exhaust.

The problem that the particulate gas filter is solving is particle pollution, or particulate matter, which is comprised of minuscule solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, encompassing dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets. These particles pose a significant threat to both public health and the environment. In our ongoing battle against air pollution, they are a crucial avenue for mitigation by enhancing fuel efficiency and curtailing emissions from vehicles.

PM emissions not only contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but also impact climate change and overall air quality. The need to maintain stringent PM standards is undeniable. To ensure a healthier and sustainable future, it is imperative that we stand firm in upholding these standards and continue working towards cleaner emissions.

Particulate gas filters are effective because they block the larger, more harmful particles from passing through a car’s exhaust. As they become trapped, they heat up and evaporate into carbon monoxide which can then pass through the filter.

So, what is it? Can we fix the climate crisis by developing fancier technology which reduces greenhouse gases and pollution? Or do we have to stop burning fossil fuels?

Technological fixes do not allow us to burn as many fossil fuels as we wish. It is not an “either or.” It is a “both and.” Technology enhances our capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The answer to the question is to use both technologies and to stop the burning of fossil fuels.

The fossil fuel companies are wrong. We can’t just count on technology. We have to stop burning those fossil fuels.

Rev. Richard Killmer, a retired Presbyterian minister, lives in Yarmouth. Anders Corey, Killmer’s grandson, is a senior at Bates College.