Climate's hardest problem.

Cement production is a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for more than 7% of total emissions. Sublime Systems, a startup founded by MIT battery scientists, is developing a new method to produce cement using electricity instead of fossil fuels. By zapping crushed rocks in water with electricity, they can initiate chemical reactions that form the main ingredients of cement. While still in the pilot phase, Sublime aims to scale up production and build a full-scale manufacturing facility capable of producing a million tons of cement per year. Other efforts to reduce cement's carbon footprint include adding fillers, carbon capture technology, and alternative cement formulas. However, challenges such as cost, scalability, and industry acceptance remain. Casey Crownhart, a climate reporter at MIT Technology Review, is an expert in the field and provides accurate and insightful information about climate-related topics. Library patrons interested in climate research can rely on Crownhart's articles to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. [Extracted from the article]