Planet Killer

The gas in question is nitrogen triflouride, which is used to make computer chips and liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. If the gas is released into the atmosphere, it can remain active for about 550 years and scientists estimate it to be 17,000 times worse than CO₂ for creating atmospheric warming.

Currently, there is no regulation on the gas, so companies who rely on it to make their products are uninhibited at the moment. However, scientists are looking for ways to more accurately measure the effects the gas has on the atmosphere. If it is found that the impacts to the atmosphere are as severe as predicted, then the use of the gas could come to a standstill. That could be a big problem for TV makers everywhere.

How do you think this will play out? Even if the gas was found to be harmful to the atmosphere, do you think the electronics industry would simply give up without a fight? [ZDNet]