Nr 83 Ammonia synthesis. Central to the mass production of fertilizer and explosives. It has been billed as the most consequential scientific breakthrough of the twentieth century. Historical perspectives on ammonia range from technological development to natural resource use, geopolitics, wartime industry, and social inclusion.

Benjamin Johnson

Nr 83 Die Ammoniaksynthese bildet eine wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Massenproduktion von Düngemitteln und Sprengstoff. Ihre Entdeckung wurde als wichtigster wissenschaftlicher Durchbruch des 20. Jahrhunderts bezeichnet. Historisch betrachtet war Ammoniak in Bereichen wie technologische Entwicklung, Ressourcenmanagement, Geopolitik, Rüstungsindustrie und soziale Inklusion von entscheidender Bedeutung.

Benjamin Johnson

Nr 84 Climate change, the pandemic, war, migration, economic insecurity—over the past few years, crises seem to have arisen at an accelerating pace, along with urgent calls for action. In this context it seems obvious to many of those involved in crafting political responses that science has a critical role to play. Amid the uncertainties it offers the promise, if not always the reality, of a clear view of the problems and possible solutions.

Etienne Benson