Residual emissions, also called unavoidable emissions, are greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are very difficult, or currently impossible, to eliminate completely using current technologies or practices.
Some industrial processes, agricultural practices, and even certain aspects of clean energy production create unavoidable emissions. Examples include:
- Industrial processes: Cement production, steel production, and aluminum smelting, for instance, release GHGs as byproducts of the chemical reactions involved.
- Agriculture: Methane emissions from livestock and nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizers are challenging to eliminate entirely.
- Aviation: Current electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft technologies are still in development, so traditional jet fuel remains the primary source of emissions for airplanes.
However, new technologies and practices are constantly emerging to address these residual emissions. It is crucial to keep yourself up-to-date and looking for new practices to reduce these emissions.