Compare and contrast the positive and negative effects that result from the use of the Haber process

Positive/Negative Effects

Almost 1/3 of the world's population relies on the synthesis of synthetic fertilizer (ammonia) from the Haber process. Peope use it to increase food population to fight against starvation in some areas of the world. Fritz Haber consider it as "the greatest benefit for mankind".

However, this process requires high energy input by burning fossil fuels that creates greenhouse emissions. Nitrates from these synthetic fertilisers can pollute groundwater and drinking water. It can also cause bioaccumulation of food chains to toxic levels. They can also produce intensive algal blooms in ponds and lakes, which damage aquatic ecosystems. Due to these nitrates, many ponds and lakes suffer from euthrophication.

The controversy

Fritz Haber was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1918, but turned out to be controversial. Not everyone agreed with the decision of the Nobel Prize. It has been reported that even the famous physicist, Ernest Rutherford refused to shake Haber's hand at the Nobel Prize award ceremony. The main reason was that, Haber's creation though can benefit mankind, is not socially ethical and has an adverse negative effect to the environment.

Haber's should have won?

In my opinion, No. Science and technology is not separated from the society. He should have considered things that are ethical during his experimentation. Maybe mankind can benefit from it today but there might be a tremendous negative impact to the environment and people in the future. He should have use scientific knowledge well, thought of ethical questions and decide if it is has long term positive effect.