Environmental Effects

Cons

While hydrogen-fueled cars of the future are generally considered environmentally friendly because, they only emit water vapor, a new study says that leakage of the hydrogen gas might cause problems in the Earth protective ozone layer.

Researcher at California Institute of Technology reported that, “the leaked hydrogen gas resulting from a hydrogen economy, if it accumulates, could indirectly cause as much as a 10% decrease in the atmospheric ozone. The stratospheric ozone layer protects the Earth from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, which causes skin cancer and weakened immune systems. Because molecular hydrogen freely moves up and mixes with the stratospheric air, the result would be the creation of additional water at high altitudes and an increased dampening of the stratosphere, and, indirectly, destruction of the ozone. ”

(California Institute of Technology)