The Helium Crisis: Is Earth's Supply Running Dry?
Helium, despite being the second most abundant element in the universe, is rare on Earth and is becoming scarcer. It is produced through the natural decay of radioactive elements, but its lightness causes it to escape Earth's atmosphere and be blown away by solar winds, making it a nonrenewable resource. Helium is crucial for various industries, including space exploration, medical imaging, and defense. The future of the Federal Helium Reserve in the USA, which supplies 40% of the world's helium, is uncertain. Estimates vary on how much helium is left, ranging from 10 to 200 years, highlighting the need for recycling efforts and potential impacts on industry and helium prices.