Eliminating fossil fuels to curb climate change will reduce the annual supply of sulfuric acid just as demand is increasing. The world already uses over 246 million tonnes of sulfuric acid a year. The rapid growth of the green economy and intensive agriculture could boost demand to over 400 million tonnes by 2040.
According to our latest study, a rapid reduction in fossil fuel use, necessary to achieve zero net emissions by 2050, could create a sulfuric acid shortage of up to 320 million tons by 2040, or 130% of current production.
Sulfuric acid prices would rise, fuelling competition in which the more profitable green technology industries would be likely to outbid fertilizer producers. This would increase the cost of food production and make food more expensive for consumers, particularly in developing countries where farmers are least able to bear these higher costs.
By anticipating future sulfur shortages, national and international policies can manage future demand, increase recycling and develop alternative, low-cost sources of supply with minimal environmental and social costs.
